NEW ORLEANS, La.- Fort Valley State University Football Cornerback Darnell Stephens has been invited to Participate in the 2026 HBCU Legacy Bowl.

The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame, is a postseason all-star game showcasing the best NFL draft-eligible football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It will be broadcast live on NFL Network. More than a football game, the week-long celebration of Black culture and history will provide invaluable exposure for HBCU students.

Stephens closed out the 2025 season as the NCAA Division II national leader in pass breakups, finishing with 19. He also recorded 33 tackles and three interceptions to round out an exceptional campaign. His performance earned him First Team All-Conference honors from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as a defensive back.

The Legacy Bowl will take place at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, La., with kickoff set for 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 21, 2026.