Six HBCU Football Players Earn Prestigious 2025 Preseason FCS All-American Honors
Recognition of elite Black college football talent underscores the growing impact of HBCU programs as the new season approaches
Jackson, Mississippi — As the 2025 college football season nears kickoff, headline-grabbing preseason honors have spotlighted six outstanding football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The latest nods come from STATS Perform’s 2025 preseason FCS All-American team, which features these six HBCU standouts among its elite selections. The recognition not only celebrates their individual excellence but highlights the depth and rising national prominence of talent within HBCU football.
Leading the charge is Jackson State’s dynamic sophomore running back and kick returner Travis Terrell Jr. Terrell burst onto the scene last year with an electrifying freshman campaign, accumulating over 1,400 all-purpose yards and scoring six touchdowns. He distinguished himself as one of only two FCS players to achieve over 300 yards in rushing, kick returns, and punt returns, showcasing an exceptional all-around skill set. His explosive speed, vision, and versatility on special teams earned him First Team honors as a kick returner on the preseason All-American squad. Coaches and analysts alike anticipate Terrell to build on his freshman success and solidify his status as one of the nation’s top playmakers in 2025.
Southern University’s defensive line titan Ckelby Givens was also honored with a First Team nod. Givens, the reigning co-SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, has been a disruptive force for the Jaguars’ defense for the past two seasons. His impressive career tackles for loss (48.5), sacks (19.0), and forced fumbles (7) underline his ability to change games in the trenches. Givens was recently named the preseason SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and carries the mantle of defensive leadership into the new season. His relentless pass rush and playmaking prowess make him a key figure for Southern and a nightmare matchup for opposing offenses.
Joining Terrell and Givens on the list are several other talented HBCU athletes who have proven their mettle on the gridiron. Jackson State also saw linebacker Jeremiah Williams receive All-American recognition after a stellar prior season highlighted by 58 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and multiple sacks. Other honorees hail from institutions including Morgan State and Florida A&M, illustrating the broad talent spread across HBCU conferences such as the SWAC and MEAC.
Jackson State, led by coach Mike Jones, enters the 2025 season with high expectations despite some roster changes following their national championship run in 2024. The Tigers will lean heavily on their young stars like Terrell to continue their dominance in the SWAC and on the FCS stage. Terrell’s ability to impact the game in multiple phases – rushing, receiving, and returning – offers vital flexibility as JSU looks to extend its winning tradition.
Southern University’s defense, anchored by Givens and guided by defensive coordinator Trey Frazier, aims to maintain its reputation as a formidable unit within the SWAC. Givens’ veteran presence and consistent disruption of opposing offenses will be critical in tight contests, especially in rivalry games and key SWAC matchups. For Givens, this preseason accolade is both a reward and a motivation to elevate his performance even further.
This wave of preseason recognition arrives amid broader changes in college athletics that uniquely affect HBCUs. The NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era, transfer portal movement, and increasing media exposure are starting to reshape recruiting and competitive dynamics. Players like Terrell are garnering greater visibility outside traditional circuits, boosting HBCUs’ recruitment of top-tier athletes and providing new platforms for showcasing Black college football excellence.
Beyond the statistical achievements and game-day performances, these honors reinforce the cultural and historical significance of HBCU football. The programs’ rich legacies, vibrant marching bands, spirited homecomings, and passionate alumni networks create an experience unlike any other in college sports. As public interest grows, coverage and support for these institutions’ athletic programs continue to rise, promising a bright future for the talented players who carry forward the tradition.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season promises thrilling competition within the HBCU conferences and beyond. Jackson State’s offense, Southern’s shutdown defense, and the emerging stars across the MEAC and CIAA conferences will all strive for excellence. For the players recognized on the preseason All-American team, this is an opportunity to elevate their profiles further and possibly secure professional opportunities.
With kickoff just weeks away, HBCU fans can look forward to a season rich with hard-fought battles, memorable moments, and the enduring spirit that defines Black college football. The recognition of athletes like Travis Terrell Jr. and Ckelby Givens showcases the remarkable talent pool flourishing at HBCUs and reinforces these programs’ indispensable role in the American collegiate sports landscape.