Travis Hunter may have paved way for others to choose HBCUs
If the thinking was that Travis Hunter’s decision to flip from Florida State to Jackson State and play at an HBCU (historically black college or university) was a one-off, something that others are not considering more seriously now, think again.
After speaking with at least 15 top 2023 prospects who are all in the Rivals250 and who all have major national offers, only two said they’re not interested in playing at Jackson State or another HBCU.
The others sounded very interested in following Hunter’s lead.
“I would definitely consider going to an HBCU,” four-star linebacker Malik Bryant said. “Trav did exactly what needed to be done a long time ago.”
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Hunter, a five-star athlete from Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill, was committed to Florida State since March 2020.
But Hunter listened to Jackson State coach Deion Sanders’ pitch, there are rumors of possible NIL money coming his way and the five-star discussed following in the footsteps of other HBCU stars Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and others.
“Playing for an HBCU school is really not a problem at all,” one top 2023 prospect said. “Especially seeing Travis flip there with Deion being his coach it was really a smart decision. It interests me a lot.”
Another said: “I would be interested in that option because I have talked about it for so long to close family and people even before Travis flipped. But I think this will open a way to show HBCUs can get top-tier athletes if they try and pursue.”
Texas Southern was the first offer for 2023 five-star defensive end David Hicks Jr. and Grambling was his first college visit because his dad played there. The Allen, Texas, standout who is already up to about 30 offers could consider playing at an HBCU.
For some, Hunter’s decision made it a possibility. Others have already considered it.
“Even without him flipping to Jackson State, I was always open to playing at an HBCU,” said one 2023 standout.
Said another: “I most definitely would. I feel like regardless of where you go if you can make a difference and impact others around you, it’s worth it.”
There’s no telling yet whether others will follow Hunter to an HBCU or if playing at Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and other national powers is still so attractive to the vast majority. Still, one or two top recruits would be a major step forward for those schools.
No one knows whether Hunter has started a movement, but top recruits have taken notice and it’s something that has at least sparked new interest in HBCU programs.
If the offer is there, of course.
“I would definitely consider it,” one top defensive recruit said. “But coach Deion hasn't called me.”