The Jacksonville Jaguars are betting massive on expertise developed at Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities (HBCUs). Two former HBCU stars, Bhayshul Tuten and Travis Hunter, have been signed to profitable rookie contracts following the 2025 NFL Draft.
From HBCU Stardom to NFL Payday
For Bhayshul Tuten, the journey to the NFL is a testomony to grit, progress, and perseverance. The previous North Carolina A&T operating again formally inked his rookie contract with the Jaguars. It’s a four-year deal price $5.27 million, together with a $1 million signing bonus.
Tuten’s rise began at North Carolina A&T, the place he turned one of the electrifying gamers within the Large South. As a sophomore, he torched defenses for over 1,000 dashing yards, stringing collectively an eye-popping 10 consecutive video games with 100 yards or extra. His pace, imaginative and prescient, and breakaway capacity made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and caught the eye of scouts nationwide.
When the chance arose, Tuten transferred to Virginia Tech to show he may compete in opposition to Energy 4 competitors. He did exactly that, rating within the high 5 within the ACC in dashing yards and ending tied for second in dashing touchdowns. His standout school profession peaked on the 2025 NFL Mix. He recorded the quickest 40-yard sprint amongst all operating backs, launching him from a late-round projection to a stable fourth-round choice by the Jaguars.
Now becoming a member of a gifted backfield in Jacksonville alongside Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. Bhayshul Tuten is predicted to contribute in a number of roles. Whether or not on particular groups, in third-down conditions, or as a flexible offensive weapon.
Travis Hunter Breaks the Financial institution
Whereas Tuten’s story is considered one of beating the percentages, Travis Hunter’s is considered one of unprecedented expectation—and payoff.
The Jaguars shook up the 2025 NFL Draft once they traded as much as snag Hunter with the No. 2 general choose. His rookie contract displays that lofty draft place. It will likely be $46.65 million for 4 years, absolutely assured, together with a jaw-dropping $30.57 million signing bonus. The deal additionally comes with a fifth-year choice, customary for first-round picks.
Hunter’s journey started at Jackson State below NFL legend Deion Sanders. Because the No. 1 recruit within the nation in 2022, his dedication to an HBCU despatched shockwaves via school soccer. At Jackson State, he showcased his uncommon capacity to dominate on each side of the ball. Locking down receivers as a cornerback and making highlight-reel performs as a large receiver.
Travis Hunter adopted Sanders to the College of Colorado, the place he continued to raise his sport on a nationwide stage in opposition to top-tier competitors. His versatility, soccer IQ, and freakish athleticism made him a can’t-miss prospect.
Hunter now enters the NFL as a real two-way participant—a rarity in as we speak’s league. The Jaguars plan to make use of him primarily at cornerback however aren’t ruling out offensive packages designed to reap the benefits of his dynamic ability set.
A Testomony to HBCU Expertise and Growth
Each Tuten and Hunter share a standard thread: their roots in HBCU soccer. Whereas every ultimately transferred to Energy 4 packages to achieve broader publicity, their basis was constructed at HBCUs. Their growth at colleges like North Carolina A&T and Jackson State speaks volumes in regards to the high quality of teaching, participant growth, and competitors throughout the HBCU ranks.
Nonetheless, their departures additionally underscore a rising problem. HBCUs more and more function launching pads for elite athletes who ultimately transition to bigger packages. Whereas that migration highlights the necessity for larger funding in HBCU athletics, it additionally proves that these establishments proceed to provide NFL-ready expertise.
The Future Is Shiny in Duval
For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tuten and Hunter’s signings symbolize extra than simply roster additions—they symbolize an embrace of unconventional paths to NFL stardom.
Tuten brings a gritty, chip-on-his-shoulder mentality solid from preventing for recognition at each stage. Hunter brings generational expertise able to altering video games on each side of the ball. Collectively, they symbolize the previous, current, and way forward for HBCU excellence, making its mark on the NFL.
Followers in Duval County ought to prepare. Whether or not it’s Hunter locking down receivers, snagging touchdowns, or Tuten slicing via defenses for explosive positive aspects, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ new rookie class is poised to show heads—and it began in an HBCU uniform.
