Rufus Ferguson II is no stranger to legacy - or the spotlight. A freshman supply chain management major from Tampa, Florida, Ferguson has already begun carving out a path uniquely his own, balancing the rigors of Howard University football with international judo success.

A second-generation Bison and proud member of Howard University’s football team, Ferguson has spent the offseason doubling as an accomplished judo competitor. In April, his second-place finish in the 100+ kilogram division at the National Collegiate Judo Association Championships at the University of New Hampshire earned him a spot on the U.S. team that will participate in the 2025 World University Games in Berlin, Germany, July 16-27. That performance came just a few weeks after Ferguson won silver at the 2025 USA Judo Youth National Championships in Salt Lake City.

“I realized this (the World Games) is a chance to put Howard University on the global map,” said Ferguson. “And I’m no longer just a student-athlete, but I can say that I am a world-class athlete. Something like that can go a long way with helping other athletes see that Howard University is a place where they can succeed and thrive in their sport of choice.”

Ferguson’s path to Howard was almost preordained. His father, Rhadi Ferguson, Ph.D., is a Bison legend, having been a member of the 1993 undefeated football team and an inductee into the Howard Athletics Hall of Fame. A former Olympian who represented the U.S. in judo at the 2004 Athens Games, Rhadi Ferguson introduced his son to the sport as a child. Rufus' grandfather, also named Rufus, was a standout running back at the University of Wisconsin, a Heisman Trophy candidate and the school’s first 1,000-yard rusher who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1973.

That elite athletic pedigree has shaped Ferguson's identity as well as his relentless schedule. As a redshirt freshman, Ferguson played both sides of the ball, lining up as linebacker, tight end, and fullback. On the scout team, he regularly battled against the starting defense — a skill that he credits judo with helping him master.

I’m no longer just a student-athlete, but I can say that I am a world-class athlete. Something like that can go a long way with helping other athletes see that Howard University is a place where they can succeed and thrive in their sport of choice.

“Judo helped me hold my own in those one-on-one battles,” explained Ferguson, who is diligently training for the World Games. When he was participating in spring football last month, his days would begin at 6:45 a.m. and include team meetings, classes, conditioning, and football practice — all by 4 p.m. After dinner, Ferguson was in the gym training for judo from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Now with the World Games a little more than two months away, his judo training consists of four days of weightlifting, three days of cycling and adhering to a disciplined diet to ensure he stays at his weight of 220 lbs. However, Ferguson is clear that football is his priority and something he sees as a part of his long-term future. In fact, he’s hoping to hear his name called in the 2028 or 2029 NFL Draft.

“Football brought me to Howard. That’s the main focus,” said Ferguson, who hopes to play running back full time once the Bison’s 2025 season starts. “Judo has pushed my cardio and made me better prepared for the demands of football. And judo is how I’ll show the world — and NFL scouts — my athletic portfolio.”

Howard Head Football Coach Larry Scott appreciates the dedication Ferguson has shown and believes it will help him continue to succeed — in football, in judo, and in life.

“Rufus is the kind of student-athlete every coach hopes for — disciplined, committed, and relentless in his pursuit of excellence. His judo background has given him a unique edge on the football field, especially in those one-on-one battles where technique and toughness matter most,” Scott said. 

“Balancing a full academic load, football, and elite-level judo training speaks volumes about his work ethic and time management. And while he’s already representing Howard on a global stage, he is just scratching the surface of what he can accomplish in football. His ceiling is incredibly high, and we’re proud to be part of his journey.”

At just 19, Ferguson is embracing the fact that he will not just be representing his family or his school at the World Games — he will be helping to highlight what is possible for student-athletes at HBCUs.

I’ve found my people at Howard. I’ve always wanted to go to an HBCU. Now, I want to make history here.

“In judo, I don’t see a lot of people who look like me. It’s usually Latinx or European athletes in the game,” he said. “But I want to inspire others who have dreams of going to the league or going global. I’ve found my people at Howard. I’ve always wanted to go to an HBCU. Now, I want to make history here.”

From the Yard to the world stage, Rufus Ferguson II is ready. And the Howard University faithful — and the world — will be watching.