Amid criticism of the Protect College Sports Act, many HBCU advocates and HBCU athletes stepped up in support. Howard University football player Kedrick Green joined a press conference at the state capital alongside other NCAA student-athletes to speak about his support of the legislation.

Student athletes should be able to trust that the system they compete in will protect their future.

"The Protect College Sports Act is about giving student athletes like me something we all deserve — security and a fair opportunity." Kedrick Green, @HowardU @HUBISONFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/f77vmjCVb7

— Senate Commerce Republicans (@SenateCommerce) September 15, 2026

“As a college student, I believe the Protect College Sports Act is about giving student-athletes like me something we all deserve: security and a fair opportunity. It protects our right to earn from our name, image, and likeness while putting safeguards in place so athletes aren't taken advantage of. It protects scholarships, strengthens health and safety standards, and creates a more consistent rule around NIL, transfers, and eligibility.

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He added, “For HBCU students like myself at Howard University and conferences like the MEAC, stability is matters. We need a system that gives us an opportunity to compete and grow, not where the rules constantly change depending on where you play. At the end of the day, this is about protecting athletes who make college sports possible. So I hope Congress pass this act.”

Sponsored by Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, the Protect College Sports Act has drawn controversy over how it could reshape NIL and transfer portal rules. The move would cap NIL revenue and restrict multiple transfers to different institutions by student-athletes without a one-year sit-out period for a second transfer.

Tucked into the bill is a provision specifically for HBCUs, the IGNITE HBCU Sports and Media Act, which would establish grants to upgrade technological infrastructure at these institutions. Those grants could help schools improve their broadcast equipment, giving them more capability to produce games locally rather than relying solely on national media partners like ESPN and HBCU Go. HBCU athletics administrative leaders have voiced support for the bill, including SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland, who appeared in commercials supporting it that aired during nationally televised HBCU games.