Best 2023 HBCU Football Stars: Top Players by Position

2023 HBCU Football Season: Standout Players

The 2023 HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) football season is nearing its end, and a select group of players, thanks to their on-the-field performances, have emerged as the top players in their respective positions. Let’s take a look at who these talented players are and what they’ve accomplished throughout the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) season.

The All-HBCU list features players who’ve made their all-conference team, showcasing more than the traditional 22 players plus specialists. It reflects the evolving trends in college football, such as the rise of the spread offenses and nickel packages. In total, the list features 30 players.

For More Information: 2023 HBCU Football Season Updates

Top HBCU Football Players of 2023

The football powerhouses, SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) and MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), are equally represented with 14 players each landing on this list. However, when considering the representation per conference team, the MEAC takes the lead.

Offense Standouts

When it comes to offensive players, the list features a stellar lineup including Davius Richard, the best and most consistent quarterback of the season from North Carolina Central. He is accompanied by the third-leading FCS rusher, LaDarius Owens from Texas Southern, and his own teammate Latrell Collier. At wide receiver, Kisean Johnson from Alabama State reigned supreme this season.

Further Reading: HBCU Football Championship History

Defense Powerhouses

On the defense side, Terrell Allen from Tennessee State is the standout player, likely to be the front-runner for the Buck Buchanan Award. Alongside him, other top performers include Ckelby Givens from Southern, Elijah Williams from Morgan State, and Malachi Bailey from Alcorn State.

2023 Games Highlights: 2023 MEAC/SWAC Challenge | Orange Blossom Classic | History of HBCU Classics

Specialists

The 2023 HBCU football season also saw exceptional performances from specialists, with North Carolina Central’s Adrian Olivo leading as the kicker and Grambling State’s Jimmy Iles as the punter. North Carolina A&T’s Taymon Cook led the FCS in kickoff returns for touchdowns, with North Carolina Central’s Brandon Codrington leading in punt returns for touchdowns.

Must Experience: Top 6 HBCU Football Game-Day Atmospheres

Top Player Breakdown by School

Schools with the most representation on this list include North Carolina Central with seven players and Howard University with four players.

MEAC VS SWAC: Best MEAC/SWAC Challenge Moments

Players Who Just Missed Out

Several promising players just missed out on making it to the All-HBCU team, including QB Jeremy Moussa from Florida A&M, RB Jawarn Howell from South Carolina State, WR Devin Smith from North Carolina Central, and LB Erick Hunter from Morgan State.