Top HBCU Prospects Showcase Talents in Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl

Fifth annual all-star game features draft-eligible players from historically Black colleges and universities

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The fifth annual Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, an all-star game showcasing draft-eligible players from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), will be played on Saturday at Tulane's Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. The game, broadcast on the NFL Network, will feature two 50-player squads (Team Gaither and Team Robinson) looking to impress NFL scouts and earn opportunities to play at the next level.

Why it matters

With fewer HBCU players being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and many top talents transferring to larger programs, the Legacy Bowl provides a crucial platform to showcase the wealth of talent at HBCUs, which have historically been a pipeline to the NFL.

The details

The Legacy Bowl will feature several standout players, including Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen, the Harlon Hill Trophy winner as the Division II player of the year; Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter, the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year; Jackson State defensive end Quincy Ivory, the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year; and North Carolina Central quarterback Walker Harris, the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year.

  • The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl will be played on Saturday, February 22, 2026 at 3 p.m.
  • The game will be broadcast live on the NFL Network.

The players

Curtis Allen

Running back from Virginia Union University who won the Harlon Hill Trophy as the Division II player of the year after rushing for 2,409 yards and 30 touchdowns in 12 games.

Erick Hunter

Linebacker from Morgan State University who was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year after recording 101 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and an interception in 12 games.

Quincy Ivory

Defensive end from Jackson State University who was named the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year after posting 71 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception.

Walker Harris

Quarterback from North Carolina Central University who was named the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Steve Wyche

Chief national reporter for NFL Network who will handle play-by-play duties for the Legacy Bowl broadcast and was recently selected for induction into the Black College Football Hall of Fame as a contributor.

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What they’re saying

“The big importance is to help these young men get into the NFL, and not just the players”

— John DeShazier (statenews.net)

“With so few HBCU players now getting invited to the (NFL) Scouting Combine, with so many HBCU players getting plucked by bigger programs in the (transfer) portal, it's still important to showcase all of the talent at HBCUs, which has historically been a pipeline (for the NFL)”

— Steve Wyche, Chief national reporter, NFL Network (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Legacy Bowl will serve as a crucial opportunity for HBCU prospects to showcase their talents in front of NFL scouts and coaches, with the goal of earning invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine and ultimately, roster spots on NFL teams.

The takeaway

The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl continues to be an important platform for highlighting the wealth of talent at historically Black colleges and universities, which have long been a pipeline to the NFL. As the pipeline has faced challenges in recent years, this game provides a vital stage for these players to earn their shot at the next level.