It’s both proving ground and celebration, a late college football all-star game and an NFL Scouting Combine weekend teaser. The HBCU Legacy Bowl goes down Saturday, putting draft-eligible talent on display in New Orleans.
None of this year’s prospects were invited to the upcoming combine in Indianapolis, but HBCU football still has a rich tradition, producing standard-bearers like Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State) and current standouts like Javon Hargrave (South Carolina State). Here’s what viewers need to know before kickoff.
How to watch the 2026 HBCU Legacy Bowl
NFL Network is also available on NFL+.
Saturday marks the fifth HBCU Legacy Bowl. It was established by the Black College Football Hall of Fame, whose co-founders are two Grambling State alumni: James “Shack” Harris, the first Black quarterback to start a season in the NFL, and Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl.
This year’s game stays at Yulman, home digs for the Tulane Green Wave. Players from the historically Black collegiate programs are divvied up into Team Gaither, named after Florida A&M coach Jake Gaither, and Team Robinson, which honors Grambling State’s Eddie Robinson.
Riddell provides the uniforms, and this year’s helmets look sleek:
Legacy in every detail 💯@HBCULegacyBowl pic.twitter.com/mfCZFlVnJf
— Riddell Sports (@RiddellSports) February 20, 2026
The NFL Network’s play-by-play call goes to Steve Wyche, chief national reporter and Howard alum. Bucky Brooks and Charles Davis join him for color commentary. Sherree Burruss is the booth’s correspondent at field level.
At halftime, the turf becomes staging for the “Sonic Boom of the South.” Jackson State’s famous marching band is brassy and propulsive, and it backed Usher at his 2024 Super Bowl performance.
One quarterback to watch is North Carolina Central’s Walker Harris, the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year. He posted 24 touchdown passes to nine interceptions. Another is Cameron Peters of Prairie View A&M. He balled out in the MEAC-SWAC Celebration Bowl, with 412 yards through the air and five combined TDs.
Norfolk State has a pair of noteworthy wideouts in Saturday’s action. JJ Evans transferred to the Spartans from North Alabama and Auburn before that, and he tallied six scores under head coach Michael Vick. Evans’ teammate DreSean Kendrick caught five TDs, with sizable production belying his 5-foot-9 frame.
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner also likes Travaunta Abner as a pass catcher. The Alabama A&M tight end bulked up and gained almost 30 pounds across his college development.
On the other end, Southern edge rusher Ckelby Givens suits up after leading the SWAC in sacks. And Jelani Vassell, the MEAC leader in picks, reps North Carolina Central from the secondary.
Full HBCU Legacy Bowl rosters can be found here.
Black College Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees
Mel Blount — Southern defensive back, 1966-69
James Harris — Grambling State quarterback, 1965-68
Willie Lanier — Morgan State linebacker, 1963-66
Art Shell — Maryland State (now Maryland-Eastern Shore) offensive and defensive tackle, 1964-67
Doug Williams — Grambling State quarterback, 1974-77
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