The Division II ranks stocked with offensive expertise that might lay declare to being the highest in HBCU soccer in any respect ranges at their respective place.
Listed below are some names followers ought to have their eye on getting into the 2025 season.
Isaiah Knowles QB, Albany State
An argument may very well be made that Isaiah Knowles just isn’t solely the highest returning quarterback in Division II HBCU soccer, however in HBCU soccer normally. Final season, Knowles ranked twelfth within the nation in passing yards per recreation (255.5) and tied for fourth in passing touchdowns (32). This included 4 video games with at the least 250 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, two of which he did with out throwing an interception.
Zy McDonald QB, Clark Atlanta
The person tasked with filling the void left by David Wright’s departure is Jackson State switch Zy McDonald. McDonald confirmed nice some promise in his two seasons as a backup quarterback for Jackson State. His first two video games at JSU in 2023 noticed him throw for 222 yards on 71% completions with three touchdowns and no interceptions. McDonald famously helped the Tigers convey dwelling the SWAC championship final yr, filling in for Jacobian Morgan after he went down with an harm.
Darius Ocean QB, Benedict
One other switch trying to make an affect within the SIAC is former Johnson C. Smith quarterback Darius Ocean. Ocean had a powerful, environment friendly efficiency for the Golden Bulls final season, ensuing within the faculty’s greatest begin in program historical past. He completed the yr with 2,301 passing yards on 57% completions and 16 touchdowns. By way of his first 5 video games, he averaged 245.2 passing yards per recreation and scored 10 touchdowns with out an interception.
Curtis Allen RB, Virginia Union
Zy McDonald just isn’t the one individual tasked with filling in for a transcendent offensive expertise as that may even be the fact of Virginia Union operating again Curtis Allen. After enjoying the function of backup to two-time CIAA Participant of the Yr Jada Byers, Allen will now get his shot at being the primary man on the depth chart. In two earlier begins in 2023, he averaged 153.0 dashing yards per recreation and scored two touchdowns. He additionally notably helped Virginia Union attain the Regional Finals of final yr’s Division II playoffs, dashing for 132 yards and two touchdowns of their second-round win over Lenoir-Rhyne.
Micah Robinson RB, Bowie State
After a powerful freshman season for Bowie State, Micah Robinson is predicted to take a leap in his sophomore marketing campaign. Robinson rushed for 656 yards yards and 5 touchdowns whereas additionally scoring two receiving touchdowns. The Bulldogs’ again ended the season sturdy, averaging 128.8 dashing yards per recreation in his closing 4 contests, scoring all 5 of his touchdowns on the yr.
Tiant Wyche RB, Albany State
Talking of HBCU operating backs making a right away affect of their freshman season, Albany State’s Tiant Wyche did that after which some. Wyche did all of it for the Golden Rams, averaging 122.9 all-purpose yards per recreation and scoring six complete touchdowns. He was the one freshman in Division II soccer final yr to rank within the high 50 in all-purpose yards.
Brevin Caldwell WR, Johnson C. Smith
With the burden of Johnson C. Smith’s passing recreation on his shoulders, Brevin Caldwell made it look gentle as a feather. Caldwell accounted for 46% of the crew’s receiving yards final season and scored every of the crew’s first six receiving touchdowns. He recorded at the least six receptions and 90 receiving yards in seven of 10 video games, together with 5 video games with over 120 receiving yards.
Armone Harris WR, Clark Atlanta
Now on to the person that got here pretty near changing into Caldwell’s teammate, Clark Atlanta extensive receiver Armone Harris. Like Caldwell, Harris completed the 2024 season with over 1,000 receiving yards, including 14 touchdowns. From recreation one, the Panthers’ receiver showcased why he is likely one of the high receivers in Division II soccer, catching eight passes for a season-high 152 yards and three touchdowns.
Zyaire Tart WR, Virginia Union
Transferring to Virginia Union from Lincoln (PA) Zyaire Tart was one of many extra underrated expertise within the CIAA final season. Tart performed a major function within the Lions’ offense, compiling 1,166 all-purpose yards, together with 697 kickoff return yards. Transitioning to a crew with championship aspirations, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how the rising junior adapts to his new environment.
Jaxon Williams WR, Benedict
One other high HBCU performer on particular groups final yr was Jaxon Williams, who established himself as a big-time playmaker as a freshman. Williams ranked second within the nation with 39.1 yards on 17 kickoff returns and scored two touchdowns.
