The 2026 Historically Black Colleges and Universities Showcase and IPP (International Player Pathway Program) Pro Day took place this past weekend at the Washington Commanders practice facility in Ashburn, Virginia. The National Football League, in partnership with the Black College Football Hall of Fame and NFL International, holds this event annually to expand exposure for these often-overlooked athletes. The three-day interview and information-gathering process is similar to the NFL Scouting Combine, with players being measured and timed in front of media, scouts, and team personnel.
2026 HBCU and IPP Pro Day
This year, some of the best prospects from the HBCU ranks, as well as the IPP program, were invited to participate to help potentially boost their draft stock.
Top NFL Prospects In Attendance
RB Curtis Allen – Virginia Union (HBCU)
Pro Day Measurements:
- Height: 5-foot-11
- Weight: 227 pounds
- Arm: 32 3/8 inches
- Hand: 10 1/4 inches
2025 Stats and Awards:
- 297 carries for 2,409 yards and 30 touchdowns
- First Team All-CIAA
- CIAA Offensive Player of the Year
- Harlon Hill Trophy winner (most outstanding player in NCAA Division II football)
- Deacon Jones Trophy winner (top HBCU player in the nation)
- RVA Sports Male Athlete of the Year
- Walter Camp D-II All-American
For three years at Virginia Union, Allen waited his turn, playing sparingly as a goal-line back and rotational player before producing one of the most historic rushing seasons in college football history in 2025. Coined “Division-II Derrick Henry” by some in the scouting community, the bruising halfback was absolutely dominant once he got his chance to shine. Allen rushed for more than 100-yards in every game last season and surpassed the 200-yard mark four times, including a ridiculous 369-yard, five touchdown performance. Expected to be a late-round draft selection or priority undrafted free agent due to his upright running style, lower level of competition, and lack of experience in the passing game, Allen is an intriguing developmental option for NFL teams in need of a short-yardage rusher and goal-line specialist with the potential for more.
K Kansei Matsuzawa – Hawaii (IPP)
Pro Day Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 203 pounds
- Arm: 31 inches
- Hand: 8 5/8 inches
2025 Stats and Awards
- 27-for-29 on field goal attempts (second nationally in makes)
- Tied for sixth in FBS in scoring with 121 total points
- Lou Groza Award finalist
- First-Team All-Mountain West
- First Consensus All-American in Hawaii history
Matsuzawa bought his first football when he was 20, teaching himself how to kick from watching YouTube videos. He trained for two years while working at a Morton’s steakhouse in Japan, but the only school in the United States that would give him a chance was a tiny junior college in rural Ohio. After spending two seasons at Hocking College, “The Tokyo Toe” transferred to Hawaii where he developed into one of the best kickers in the country.
Matsuzawa is viewed as a late-round draft pick or priority free agent. However, should have a long professional career ahead of him after he inevitably becomes the first Japanese player to appear in an NFL game.
LB Erick Hunter – Morgan State (HBCU)
Pro Day Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-2
- Weight: 224 pounds
- Arm: 33 1/8 inches
- Hand: 10 3/8 inches
- 40yd: 4.48 seconds
- 10yd: 1.58 seconds
- Vert: 37 inches
- Broad: 10-feet-10-inches
- Shuttle: 4.21 seconds
2025 Stats and Awards:
- 102 tackles (53 solo)
- 14 tackles for loss
- 4 sacks
- 4 forced fumbles
- 1 interception
- First Team All-MEAC
- HBCU Player of the Year Finalist
- Buck Buchanan Award Finalist
Hunter is perhaps the prospect most likely to be drafted on this list. The long, rangy linebacker was one of the best defensive players in college football this past season. He consistently made plays, showing sideline-to-sideline ability. Hunter also made a significant impact on special teams, delivering one of the year’s signature moments with a 90-yard blocked-kick return for a touchdown.
A twitchy, see-ball, get-ball tackling machine with a motor that never quits, the former Maryland State champion in the 400m relay is everything NFL teams covet in a developmental depth piece.
Other players to watch for:
- DE Quincy Ivory – Jackson State
- DE Michael Lunz II – SC State
- DE James Stewart – Tennessee State
- DL Bryce Cage – Grambling
- WR Deandre Proctor – Johnson C. Smith
- RB Chris Mosley – NC Central
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