CANTON, Ohio – Antwone Watts of Bethune-Cookman Football has been named to the 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List, announced Tuesday, Aug. 12, by the Black College Football Hall of Fame offices in Canton, Ohio.
 
The list of comprised of 50 players from different HBCUs around the nation in the SWAC, MEAC, SIAC, CIAA, OVC and CAA, respectively. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University.
 
Antwone Watts finished the 2024 season with 70 total tackles on the year, 37 of those coming by way of solo stops. That allowed him to finish the campaign third on the Wildcats squad in that department, going on to collect two interceptions and force one fumble as well.
 
Earlier this month, the Columbus, Georgia native was selected to the BoxToRow HBCU Preseason All-America list.
 
Four finalists will be unveiled after the season. The winner of the Black College Football Player of the Year Award, which will be announced during halftime of the 2026 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, will be presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy. The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl takes place on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
 
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.
 
A complete list of this year's watch list can be viewed here.
 
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