Football | 8/12/2025 9:36:00 PM

ATLANTA (August 12, 2025) – The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) revealed its 2025 Player of the Year Watch List where Howard University senior running back Eden James (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) was among the honorees. The announcement came Tuesday morning.
 
The prestigious award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU).
 
"The Black College Football Player of the Year Award honors the talent, dedication, and spirit of today's HBCU football players," said Doug Williams, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee. "These young men uphold a proud legacy and inspire future generations to dream bigger and to always aspire for greatness."
 
Recently, James was selected to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 list. On July 22, he was named to the preseason All-MEAC First Team.
 
A year ago, the Florida native appeared in all 12 games, producing 570 yards of total offense (422 rushing & 148 receiving) with three rushing TDs. In the annual Truth & Service Classic (Sept. 21, 2024), he had 107 yards on 14 carries with a TD against Hampton.
 
The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list will be made as the 2025 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.
 
After the season, four finalists are unveiled and the winner is presented with the prestigious Deacon Jones Trophy.
 
"In HBCU football, no accolade carries greater meaning than the Deacon Jones Trophy," said BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2012 Inductee James Harris. "Deacon's greatness wasn't just in his dominance on the field, but in the way he inspired others through his leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy continues to set the standard for what Black College Football represents."
 
The announcement is held during halftime of the 2026 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl. The bowl takes place Saturday, February 21, 2026, in New Orleans and broadcasted live on NFL Network.
 
Howard opens the 2025 season against Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic Saturday (Aug. 30). Kickoff is set for 4 p.m., at Hard Rock Stadium.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com, the HBCU Legacy Bowl website at www.HBCULegacyBowl.com and/or the Black College Football Hall of Fame website at www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.