Central State University celebrates Vince Buck as Black College Football Hall of Fame finalist

CANTON, Ohio — Central State University alumnus Vince Buck has been named a finalist for the Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to Marauder football and his successful career in the National Football League (NFL). 

Buck was born Jan. 12, 1968, in Owensboro, Kentucky. A defensive back for Central State from 1986-89, he was a cornerstone of the Marauders’ defense, earning NAIA All-American honors and being named NAIA Player of the Year in his final season. Known for his sharp instincts and playmaking abilities, Buck’s exceptional performance at CSU set the stage for his professional career. 

In the 1990 NFL Draft, Buck was selected in the second round by the New Orleans Saints, where he played for six seasons. His time in the NFL further demonstrated his defensive prowess and established him as a respected figure in professional football. 

Beyond his athletic achievements, Buck has remained an active presence in the New Orleans community. He owns and operates Cottman Transmission in Kenner, Louisiana, where he resides and continues to contribute to the area where his NFL career thrived. 

The Black College Football Hall of Fame, located at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, honors players who have elevated the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in football. This year’s selection process included over 150 nominees evaluated by a distinguished 10-member panel of journalists, historians and football executives. 

“We would like to congratulate the Class of 2025 finalists,” said Doug Williams, Super Bowl XXII MVP and co-founder of the Hall of Fame. 

“These men embody the very best of Black College Football.” 

The Class of 2025 inductees will be announced on Dec. 18. Finalists will be celebrated at the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans on Feb. 22 and formally honored during the 16th annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 7 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Central State University congratulates Buck on this remarkable achievement and his enduring impact on the University and the football community. The Marauder family eagerly anticipates the final announcement and continues to celebrate this extraordinary alum. 

For more information about the Black College Football Hall of Fame and its mission to honor the history of HBCU football, visit blackcollegefootballhof.org.