Morgan State University's Erick Hunter and Jason Collins Jr. Nominated for Black College Football Player of the Year Award

Strategic Insights -

Morgan State University's Erick Hunter and Jason Collins Jr. have been named to the 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List by the Black College Football Hall of Fame. The two standout players join 48 other top Black College student-athletes on the list, highlighting their impressive performances in the 2024 season. Hunter, the 2025 MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, added another milestone to his legacy with this latest recognition, showcasing his dominance in conference play and rising influence on the national stage. Collins, the 2025 MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, achieved impressive stats, including 634 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 114 attempts, earning him the 2024 MEAC Rookie of the Year award.

Key Takeaways:

  • Erick Hunter and Jason Collins Jr. have been named to the 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List, joining 48 other top Black College student-athletes.
  • Hunter, the 2025 MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, has solidified his status as one of the top defenders in the FCS, with achievements including seven quarterback hurries, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2023.
  • Collins, the 2025 MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, achieved impressive stats in 2024, including 634 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 114 attempts, earning him the 2024 MEAC Rookie of the Year award.
  • The Black College Football Player of the Year Award honors the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU).
  • The award winner will be announced at the HBCU Legacy Bowl Awards ceremony in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the eve of the all-star game.
  • The 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year Award Selection Committee will choose the finalists and winner from the Watch List candidates.
  • Morgan State University's 2025 football season is set to open on August 30, with a challenging out-of-conference matchup against the University of South Alabama Jaguars.

Statistics:

  • 50 top Black College student-athletes are featured on the 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List.
  • Hunter has 196 all-time career tackles at Morgan State, ranking ninth in school history.
  • Collins achieved 634 rushing yards and 143 receiving yards in 2024.
  • 75 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss were recorded by Hunter in 2023.

Sources:

  • Black College Football Hall of Fame (2025)
  • Morgan State University Athletics Department (2025)
  • Black College Football Hall of Fame Co-Founder Doug Williams (2025)
  • Black College Football Hall of Fame Co-Founder James Harris (2025)