Football
2/19/2026 4:55:00 PM





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Fayetteville, NC — Four standout Fayetteville State Broncos — Caden Davis, Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah, Shawn Robinson, and Matthew Leach — have been selected to compete in the 2026 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, a premier postseason all-star showcase featuring the nation’s top NFL draft‑eligible players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The HBCU Legacy Bowl, presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame, is rooted in a mission to support, uplift, and expand exposure for HBCU athletes while creating meaningful pathways to professional opportunities. [hbculegacybowl.com]

The week‑long celebration of HBCU culture culminates in a nationally televised game on the NFL Network following practices, community engagement events, and direct evaluation from NFL personnel. This year’s game will kick off at 3:00 PM CT on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.

Caden Davis – RB/ATH

Davis enters the HBCU Legacy Bowl following a versatile and productive 2025 campaign in which he demonstrated his ability to impact the game in multiple phases. He tallied 61 rushing yards and six touchdowns. As a receiving threat, he added 26 receptions for 176 yards, highlighted by a 73‑yard outing and a 40‑yard long at Shaw. Davis even contributed in the passing game, completing 2-of-3 passes for nine yards and a touchdown, and logged his first career punt—a 41‑yarder—showcasing the utility and football IQ that make him an all‑around offensive weapon.

Kahlil Ashley‑Diarrah – WR

Ashley‑Diarrah capped off a breakout senior season with 36 receptions for 358 yards and two touchdowns, emerging as one of FSU’s most consistent playmakers. Known for his reliable hands and route precision, he posted a season‑high 54 yards at Elizabeth City State and scored touchdowns against North Carolina Central and Winston‑Salem State. His longest of 32 yards exemplifies the downfield threat he brings.

Shawn Robinson – DL

A dominant force in the trenches, Robinson delivered one of the strongest defensive seasons in the CIAA with 24 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, ranking among the league’s top pass rushers. His disruptive skill set was on full display with five‑tackle games against Benedict and Virginia State, and a powerful two‑sack performance versus Johnson C. Smith. With three forced fumbles and a reputation for backfield penetration, Robinson enters the Legacy Bowl as a relentless edge presence poised to impress NFL evaluators.

Matthew Leach – LB

Leach led the Broncos in total tackles with 74 stops, anchoring the defense with range, discipline, and physicality. He recorded double‑digit tackles twice, including a season‑high 12 tackles against Johnson C. Smith, and added 8.0 tackles for loss along with a sack. His ability to diagnose plays and close in space made him the heartbeat of FSU’s defense in 2025. Leach’s consistency, highlighted by multiple games with six or more tackles, positions him as a high‑motor linebacker ready to shine on a national stage.