Listed here are the highest returning Division II HBCU soccer gamers you must hold in your radar from the CIAA and SIAC.
CIAA High Returning Gamers
1. Kevin Taylor – QB, Bowie State
Taylor had a breakout sophomore marketing campaign and is trying to construct on that momentum. In 10 video games, he handed for over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns. He additionally added 238 speeding yards and 4 TDs on the bottom.
As a member of the CIAA All-Rookie Crew, Taylor is anticipated to guide Bowie State’s high-octane offense to a possible championship. Twin-threat quarterbacks like him don’t come round typically.
2. Brevin Caldwell – WR, Johnson C. Smith
Arguably essentially the most unguardable receiver in HBCU soccer, Caldwell was named First Crew All-CIAA and an HBCU All-American. He led all HBCU wideouts in receiving yards with over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.
Recognized for his elite route operating and certain arms, Caldwell is a strolling spotlight reel. His senior season is shaping as much as be legendary.
3. Jayden Earley – DB, Virginia Union
A freshman standout, Earley earned All-CIAA Rookie Defensive honors and remodeled 40 tackles with 4 interceptions. He performed like a seasoned veteran, anchoring the secondary and serving to lead Virginia Union to a CIAA title.
Together with his instincts and soccer IQ, Earley is on observe to develop into one of many prime defensive gamers within the convention.
4. Donovan Howard – DB, Virginia State
Howard was a shutdown nook and a vocal chief for the Trojans. He notched 26 tackles and a couple of picks whereas always locking down opposing receivers.
Quarterbacks prevented throwing his method, and for good cause. His skill to each cowl and sort out makes him a priceless asset within the secondary.
5. Joseph Towler – WR, Bowie State
Towler made noise as a redshirt freshman, incomes Second Crew All-CIAA honors regardless of sharing targets in a loaded WR room. He nonetheless managed over 450 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.
One in all his finest performances got here in a breakout sport the place he racked up over 100 yards and a rating. Search for Towler to raise his sport as a sophomore.
SIAC High Returning Gamers
6. David Wright III – QB, Clark Atlanta
Wright was the guts and soul of Clark Atlanta’s explosive offense. He threw for greater than 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns whereas additionally including 3 speeding scores.
His sport in opposition to Lane, the place he tossed 7 touchdowns and handed for over 400 yards, was the stuff of legend. The SIAC higher be prepared for an additional present.
7. Jamill Williams – WR, Albany State
Williams burst onto the scene as a freshman with over 600 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He earned Second Crew All-SIAC honors and made life depressing for defensive backs.
He’s a big-play risk who must be a nightmare for secondaries in 12 months two.
8. Tiant Wyche Jr. – RB, Albany State
Wyche does all of it. As a freshman, he rushed for over 500 yards, added practically 200 receiving yards, and piled up 480 return yards. That’s versatility at its most interesting.
He was named Second Crew All-SIAC and is a real game-breaker for the Golden Rams.
9. Lawrence McConnell – DB, Kentucky State
Don’t let his 5’9 body idiot you. McConnell performs like a large. He recorded over 50 tackles and a couple of sacks final season whereas locking down a number of the SIAC’s finest receivers.
Coaches love his physicality and toughness, making him one of the crucial revered defenders within the league.
10. Xavier Esquillen – DL, Savannah State
Esquillen was a pass-rushing monster in 2024, main the SIAC with 9.5 sacks. His standout sport got here in opposition to Lane College, the place he logged 4 sacks and a couple of QB hits.
He’s relentless off the sting and will take Savannah State’s protection to the subsequent stage this season.
Remaining Ideas: Who Will Be the Breakout HBCU Star?
From dual-threat QBs to lockdown corners, the CIAA and SIAC are brimming with HBCU expertise. Whether or not you’re watching from the stands or following on-line, these gamers shall be must-watch each Saturday.
Who do you assume may have the largest breakout 12 months in HBCU soccer this season? Drop your picks within the feedback.
