Curtis Allen of Virginia Union University and Michael Lunz II of South Carolina State University were named the 2025 HBCU GO Football Players of the Year, recognizing the top offensive and defensive performers in historically Black college and university football.

Allen, a running back, was honored for his combination of speed, power and leadership that contributed to VUU’s offensive success this season. Lunz, a linebacker, received defensive honors for disciplined play and his ability to influence game momentum for SCSU. 

The selections were made by HBCU GO Sports analysts during a roundtable discussion. HBCU GO, a media platform covering HBCU sports and culture, assembled the panel, which included Tolly Carr, a partner and host with HBCU Gameday and HBCU GO sports coverage; Steve Wyche, an NFL analyst and commentator working with HBCU GO broadcasts; Nia Symone, a sideline and culture reporter; James Hadnot, a lead play-by-play announcer; and Lawrencia Moten, a sideline reporter.