Pittman’s Pocket: CFL is making HBCU Combine Strives attracting HBCU 2026 Draft Prospects

Dylan Djete Carving a New Path: From Alabama State to the CFL Stage

For many collegiate football players, the dream conversation centers around one league. But for Dylan Djete, the journey is about something bigger — expanding opportunity, representation, and impact beyond traditional pipelines.

The senior wide receiver for the Alabama State Hornets football has officially accepted an invitation to the CFL Combine, signaling a powerful step forward — not just for himself, but for the evolving relationship between HBCU football and the Canadian professional landscape.

Establishing New Footprints Beyond the NFL Narrative

While much of the college football spotlight focuses on the NFL, Djete’s opportunity highlights a different and increasingly significant path. The Canadian Football League has continued strengthening its outreach to HBCU programs, recognizing the talent, athleticism, and discipline cultivated within those institutions.

By earning a CFL Combine invitation, Djete becomes part of a growing bridge between HBCU football and Canadian professional opportunity — establishing new footprints in leagues that are actively expanding their scouting footprint. This moment represents more than an invite. It symbolizes visibility.

A Canadian Talent Returning to His Roots

Hailing from Lévis, Quebec, Djete’s football story comes full circle. After developing his game in the United States at Alabama State, he now returns to the national radar in his home country — this time as a legitimate professional prospect.

His 2025 senior campaign showcased steady production and explosiveness:

• 28 receptions
• 422 receiving yards
• 4 touchdowns

Averaging over 15 yards per catch, Djete demonstrated vertical-threat capability while continuing to refine his route precision and field awareness.

The season prior, he appeared in 11 games (three starts), recording 20 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns — production that set the foundation for his senior breakout.
Expanding the HBCU-to-CFL Pipeline
The CFL’s increased engagement with HBCU athletes marks an important shift in professional football scouting dynamics. Rather than limiting evaluation to traditional Power Five pipelines, the league has widened its lens — and players like Djete are proof of the talent depth that exists beyond mainstream narratives.

For Djete, this isn’t just about opportunity. It’s about impact.

As a Canadian-born athlete who developed at an HBCU and now steps onto the CFL Combine stage, he represents:

• Cross-border football development
• HBCU excellence gaining international traction
• Alternative professional pathways gaining legitimacy

A Different Spotlight — Same Dream

The NFL may dominate headlines, but professional football success wears many uniforms. The CFL’s interest reinforces that elite talent finds opportunity wherever vision and preparation meet.

For Dylan Djete, the 2026 CFL Combine isn’t just an event — it’s a statement.

A statement that the game is global.

A statement that HBCU athletes belong on every professional radar.

And a statement that new footprints are being set — not only in the NFL, but across leagues that recognize and reward performance.

As he prepares for the next chapter, Djete carries more than stats into the combine. He carries representation, momentum, and the potential to open doors for those who follow.