Sharon S Gordon 
The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) has announced its Class of 2025, recognizing six trailblazing players and a coaching legend for their contributions to football at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Selected from a competitive list of finalists, these inductees embody the rich legacy of HBCU athletics.
The Honorees:
- Henry Dyer (Grambling State University): The first 1,000-yard rusher in Grambling’s history, Dyer was a three-time First-Team All-SWAC selection (1963–65). He led the nation in scoring in 1965 and was a 4th-round NFL Draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams.
- Rashean Mathis (Bethune-Cookman University): A dominant defensive back, Mathis set FCS records for interceptions (31) and interception return yards (682). The 2002 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year was drafted in the 2nd round by the Jacksonville Jaguars and holds multiple franchise records.
- Jacquay Nunnally (Florida A&M University): Known for his receiving prowess, Nunnally ranks second all-time in NCAA Division I FCS history with 317 receptions for 4,239 yards and 38 touchdowns. He was a two-time Black College Football Player of the Year.
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State University): A shutdown cornerback, Rodgers-Cromartie allowed opponents to complete only 34.16% of passes against him during his collegiate career. Drafted in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, he enjoyed a successful NFL career.
- Jay “Sky” Walker (Howard University): Walker led Howard University to an undefeated season in 1993, earning MEAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. He passed for 3,324 yards that year, the second-highest total in MEAC history, and was later drafted by the New England Patriots.
- Coach Fred “Pop” Long (Wiley College): A legendary coach, Long led Wiley College to 10 SWAC championships and three Black College Football National Championships in his 35 seasons. His 224 career wins included stints at Paul Quinn College, Prairie View A&M, and Texas College.
Recognition and Events
The inductees will be formally honored at the 16th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by the Atlanta Falcons, on June 7, 2025, in Atlanta, GA. They will also be celebrated during halftime at the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on February 22, 2025, at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, LA, broadcast live on NFL Network.
About the BCFHOF and Legacy Bowl
Founded in 2009 by James Harris and Doug Williams, the Black College Football Hall of Fame preserves and promotes the achievements of players, coaches, and contributors from HBCUs. The Legacy Bowl, a postseason all-star game, highlights top HBCU players and showcases Black culture and history.
Visit Black College Football Hall of Fame for more details.
About Author
