Ashburn, Virginia – The National Football League is providing a significant platform for emerging talent with its 2026 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Showcase and International Player Pathway Program (IPP) Pro Day, held from March 28-30 at the Washington Commanders’ BigBear.ai Performance Center at Commanders Park. The on-field workouts are scheduled for Monday, March 30, beginning with offensive prospects at 8:00 a.m. ET, followed by defensive and specialist evaluations at 10:45 a.m. ET, according to an announcement from the league on March 18, 2026.
This event represents a crucial opportunity for draft-eligible players from HBCUs and participants in the IPP to showcase their skills to NFL scouts. The league confirmed that six International Player Pathway Program participants are eligible for selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, while an additional five are eligible to sign with clubs beginning March 31.
HBCU Showcase Participants
The HBCU Showcase boasts a diverse roster of athletes vying for NFL attention. Among the offensive prospects participating are quarterbacks William Atkins (South Carolina State) and Noah Bodden (Edward Waters), alongside running backs Curtis Allen (Virginia Union) and Donerio Davenport (Jackson State). Defensive players include defensive lineman Bryce Cage (Grambling) and linebacker Charles George (Texas Southern). A full list of participants is below.
- Travaunta Abner (TE, Alabama A&M)
- Curtis Allen (RB, Virginia Union)
- William Atkins (QB, South Carolina State)
- Noah Bodden (QB, Edward Waters)
- Andrew Brown (K, North Carolina A&T)
- Bryce Cage (DL, Grambling)
- Desmond Daniels (T, Alabama State)
- Donerio Davenport (RB, Jackson State)
- Charles Davis (T, Florida A&M)
- Carlos Dunovant (DB, Morehouse)
- Charles George (LB, Texas Southern)
- Ckelby Givens (DE, Southern)
- Ashton Grable (T, Florida A&M)
- Kevon Gregory (DB, Virginia Lynchburg)
- Aaron Harris (DB, North Carolina A&T)
- Johnny Harris (DB, Bethune-Cookman)
- Walker Harris (QB, North Carolina Central)
- Erick Hunter (LB, Morgan State)
- Quincy Ivory (DE, Jackson State)
- Jamal Jones (DL, Bowie State)
- Kevon King (RB, Norfolk State)
- Makai Lovett (WR, Edward Waters)
- Michael Lunz (DE, South Carolina State)
- Noah Miles (DE, Howard)
- JaCobian Morgan (QB, Jackson State)
- Deontre Morris (DB, Alabama State)
- Chris Mosley (RB, North Carolina Central)
- Bruno Onwuazor (T, Virginia State)
- Tymetrius Patterson (LB, Benedict)
- Jadarrius Perkins (DB, Delaware State)
International Player Pathway Program Participants
The IPP aims to create opportunities for elite international athletes to compete in the NFL. While the league did not release the names of the six draft-eligible IPP participants, it confirmed that five additional players will be eligible to sign with NFL teams as free agents starting March 31. This program has previously served as a pathway for several international players to establish careers in the league.
The NFL’s commitment to both HBCU players and international prospects underscores its ongoing efforts to diversify the league and identify talent from a wider range of backgrounds. The showcase and pro day provide a focused environment for these athletes to demonstrate their abilities directly to NFL personnel.
For players from HBCUs, this event is particularly significant, offering increased visibility in a league where representation has historically been limited. The IPP similarly provides a crucial stepping stone for international athletes navigating the complexities of American football and the NFL system.
NFL clubs will be heavily represented at the Commanders’ facility, ensuring that the best players receive maximum exposure. The league’s investment in these programs reflects a broader strategy to cultivate a more inclusive and globally-representative NFL.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 29, 2026 and will be held in Detroit, Michigan. The results of the HBCU Showcase and IPP Pro Day will undoubtedly influence the decisions of NFL teams as they finalize their draft boards.
Following the Pro Day, teams will have the opportunity to further evaluate players through individual workouts and interviews. The league’s emphasis on scouting these events highlights the importance of identifying hidden gems and developing talent from diverse sources.
The NFL’s announcement of the HBCU Showcase and IPP Pro Day underscores the league’s dedication to expanding its talent pool and fostering a more inclusive environment. The event at Commanders Park is poised to be a pivotal moment for many aspiring NFL players.
The next key date for these athletes is the 2026 NFL Draft, where their performance and potential will be place to the ultimate test. Fans can follow updates on the draft and player signings on the official NFL website and through team announcements.
