Matthew Wilson’s college football journey has already taken an unconventional path, and it is exactly that path that makes him one of the more intriguing quarterback options currently available for HBCU programs.
Wilson, a 6-foot, 213-215 pound quarterback from Rock Hill, South Carolina, entered college football as a coveted athlete at Appalachian State University . Originally listed as a defensive back early in his career, Wilson’s athletic versatility kept him active within the program even when he was not part of the immediate quarterback rotation. At times, that meant running with the scout team as a defensive back, a role far removed from where his natural skill set ultimately belongs.
That patience paid off in a major way at the Birmingham Bowl.
Thrown into action against Georgia Southern, Wilson provided immediate juice. He rushed for over 110 yards and scored a touchdown, injecting life into an offense that needed a spark. For a player who had spent most of the season away from the spotlight, the performance was eye-opening. He showed toughness, burst, and the kind of natural feel as a runner that simply cannot be taught. While there were moments in the passing game that need refinement and decision-making that must improve, the overall takeaway was clear. The talent is real, and the upside is substantial.
Now in the transfer portal with three years of eligibility remaining, Wilson has become a name to watch for HBCU programs looking for more than just a caretaker at quarterback.
A Potential Fit at North Carolina Central
Wilson currently holds an offer from North Carolina Central University, and the fit makes a lot of sense on multiple levels.
Central is looking to get back on top of the MEAC after a down year. The Eagles have not had a truly dynamic running quarterback in recent seasons, and Wilson’s speed and physicality would immediately change how defenses have to play them. His ability to stress the edges and create off-script plays could unlock parts of the offense that have been missing, especially now that the MEAC landscape includes a rising Delaware State alongside the defending champions from South Carolina State.
Wilson would not need to be perfect on day one. His legs alone force defensive adjustments, and that alone could raise the floor of the offense. With proper development, Central could be looking at a quarterback capable of putting them right back into the conference title conversation.
Alabama State and the Shadow of a Breakout Star
Wilson also holds an offer from Alabama State University, a program that recently benefited from the emergence of Andrew Body.
Body became a breakout star for the Hornets, showcasing speed, vision, arm strength, and command of the offense. He has since drawn attention from multiple programs, and while he remains in contact with many schools, there has been little public clarity on his future.
If Alabama State is indeed preparing for life after Body, Wilson presents a compelling alternative. In many ways, Wilson mirrors Body’s skill set and may actually be a more explosive runner in space. The question is not whether Wilson can run the offense, but whether the opportunity remains available, as the Hornets have been active in the portal and may be evaluating multiple directions at quarterback.
South Carolina State and Championship Continuity
Another intriguing destination is South Carolina State University, where Coach Buddy Pough has built a championship-caliber program.
Coach Berry and the Bulldogs are very much hoping that a back-to-back Celebration Bowl run is still within reach. Adding a quarterback with Wilson’s athletic profile could go a long way toward keeping South Carolina State undefeated in MEAC play and extending its dominance. The Bulldogs’ quarterback room would receive an immediate jolt of excitement, and Wilson’s dual-threat ability would fit seamlessly into a system built on physicality and tempo.
Development, Opportunity, and the HBCU Advantage
Wilson also took a visit to Austin Peay and appeared to be enjoying the experience, and there remains the possibility of a return to Appalachian State. His head coach even acknowledged after the Birmingham Bowl that Wilson’s performance made him question whether he should have been starting or at least involved earlier in the season.
Still, the HBCU route offers something uniquely valuable for a player like Wilson.
We have repeatedly seen HBCU programs take raw or underutilized quarterback talent and polish it into something special. Andrew Body is a prime example. Wilson needs refinement as a passer, particularly in ball placement and decision-making under pressure, but those are coachable traits. What cannot be coached is the explosiveness, competitiveness, and natural feel he showed in the Birmingham Bowl.
Watching Wilson in that game was exciting. Watching him grow within an HBCU program, surrounded by opportunity and trust, could be something entirely different. With the right development and system, Matthew Wilson has the talent to lead a team not just to relevance, but all the way to the Celebration Bowl. For the program that lands him, the payoff could be program-altering.
