By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
ATLANTA — Here’s a look at the top HBCU quarterbacks with play set to start around the country Thursday through Sunday in Week 0 of the college football season:
Alabama State’s Andrew Body, 6-foot, 205 pounds, redshirt senior: Helped power Alabama State to its first 10-win season in 21 years and was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s offensive player of the year. He completed nearly 71 percent of his passes for 1,770 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only one interception, while compiling an elite 203.6 pass efficiency rating. The dual-threat also rushed for 518 yards and four touchdowns.
NCCU’s Joshua Jones, 6-1, 178, junior: He has spent his time waiting his turn as he’s followed the traditional NCCU quarterback path. Although his playing time has been limited, Jones has seen action in multiple games and has accumulated 330 passing yards and three touchdowns during his career.
Fayetteville State’s Jamir Dismukes, 5-11, 180, redshirt senior: He passed for 2,486 yards, 21 touchdowns, and five interceptions last season while playing for Allen University before transferring to Fayetteville State. He has also played at St. Francis and Wheeling after a stellar high school career at Shaker Heights High in suburban Cleveland, Ohio..
Clark Atlanta’s Xzavier Jackson, 6-1, 220, sophomore: He earned SIAC freshman and newcomer of the year in just seven games played. He passed for a freshman record 2,103 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He lead the SIAC in passing yards per game (300.4 AVG/G), touchdowns (18) and total offense (284.0 YPG). He threw for a career-high 425 yards and four touchdowns against a stout Kentucky State defense.
Virginia State’s Rahsaan Matthews Jr., 6-1, 198, redshirt sophomore: Matthews enters the 2026 season after he passed for 2,361 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also had 439 yards and three touchdowns rushing. He was named. All-CIAA second-team and to the All-Rookie team.
Others to watch:
Alabama A&M’s Cornelius (Quad) Brown, Howard’s Ja’Shawn Scroggins, FAMU’s Isaiah Knowles, Norfolk State’s Deljay Bailey and Delaware State’s Ui Ale.