Former HBCU Football stars find a home in the new XFL

Several HBCU football standouts from the SWAC and MEAC have found themselves on XFL rosters this spring. 

The XFL season kicked off last week with some great action. Spring leagues like the XFL and its counterpart, the USFL, allow NFL hopefuls an opportunity to give scouts professional game tape in addition to college film. More importantly, it gives players who might not otherwise make the NFL a chance to play professional football.

In its third iteration, the spring league has become home to several former HBCU standouts. There are currently 19 former HBCU football players across seven teams. Though the MEAC and SWAC have the most representation, they are not the only HBCU schools with players on XFL rosters.

Former Raiders All-Pro punter Marquette King is a Fort Valley State alum. He’s handling punting for the Arlington Renegades. Hampton wide receiver Hezekiah Grimsley is on the reserve roster for St. Louis Battlehawks. Virginia State standout Will Adams plays for the Vegas Vipers.

The San Antonio Brahmas signed defensive back Terrell Bonds and offensive lineman Chidi Okeke, both Tennessee State alumni. Hampton has two representatives in the league offensive lineman James Stanley (Houston Roughnecks) and quarterback DeAndre Francois (Orlando Guardians).

You might remember Will Adams as one of the stars of the first HBCU Football Combine before signing with the Vegas Vipers.

Here is a look at the players from the MEAC and SWAC: