Quiet as it’s kept, the fictional Hillman College has always had its fair share of fine men, and Netflix’s new A Different World is clearly carrying on that proud tradition. The sequel series has introduced a fresh crop of Hillman students, and yes, the internet has absolutely noticed that more than a few of them are easy on the eyes. From star athletes to campus brainiacs, these new faces are bringing plenty of personality—and a little eye candy—to the beloved HBCU universe.
So naturally, we had to get acquainted with the new Hillman heartthrobs. Whether you’re Team Shaquille, Team Ellington, or somewhere in between, here’s what you need to know about the cast members behind A Different World‘s most talked-about characters.
Cornell Young IV
Cornell Young IV plays Shaquille Johnson, Hillman’s star quarterback and son of Ron Johnson. If his locs and smile look familiar, that’s because he’s also appeared in Netflix’s “Forever” as Todd and in ALLBLK’s “D.O.P.E. UNIT.” Before the camera, the St. Louis native was making plays on the football field as a wide receiver at McKendree University, where he studied marketing and history. That’s also where he discovered theater and realized acting was his real calling.
Off screen, Cornell makes music with his twin brother and remains passionate about mental health awareness in the Black community. Faith also plays a central role in keeping him grounded.
Chibuikem Uche
You might recognize Chibuikem Uche from “One of Us Is Lying,” “The Tomorrow War,” or “All American.” In the new series, he plays Kojo, a Ghanaian-Nigerian fashion merchandising student with a passion for design and a strong desire to live life on his own terms—away from his strict West African parents’ expectations.
The London-born, Nigerian actor moved to Connecticut at age eight and made his TV debut in ABC’s “American Housewife” in 2016. Beyond acting, he holds a degree in mathematics and actuarial science, proving his creative pursuits are just getting started.
Jordan Aaron Hall
You may recognize Jordan Aaron Hall from FX’s “Pose,” where he played Young Pray Tell, or from Prime Video’s “The Idea of You” opposite Anne Hathaway. The Harlem-based actor, director, and filmmaker has been grinding for years. After graduating from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, he started as Young Simba in the national tour of “The Lion King” before heading to Broadway as Young Michael Jackson in “Motown: The Musical.”
In 2026, Hall wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the short film “Graduation Day,” which premiered at the American Black Film Festival. In the series, he plays Amir, the resourceful, street-smart, and emotionally mature friend of the group. While he’s better at giving advice than taking it, Amir keeps it real and shows up for his friends when it matters.
Vincent Jamal Hooper
Vincent Jamal Hooper plays Ellington, the confident Hillman junior who works as Professor Brooks’ student assistant. Before landing this role, the Texas native had already made serious moves on stage, playing Simba in Broadway’s “The Lion King” and taking on multiple roles in “Hamilton” touring productions worldwide.
His résumé also includes appearances on Chicago Med, “Shots Fired,” and “American Crime,” along with Off-Broadway work in “White Girl in Danger.”
Elijah J. Roberts
Elijah J. Roberts plays Jalen, a Houston native, Hillman junior, and the school’s star point guard and basketball MVP. Before this role, Roberts starred in “Night Swim” and appeared in indie films like “The Way It Used To” and “Asylum.”
Roberts earned his bachelor’s degree in acting from the Academy of Art University, where he also competed as a Division II high jumper. He discovered acting in high school after friends convinced him to give it a shot, eventually falling in love with the craft while pursuing track, basketball, and filmmaking—writing, directing, and producing his own short projects.
Joshua Suiter
Joshua Suiter portrays André, Hillman’s team captain and starting quarterback who faces competition once Shaquille arrives on campus. Suiter is a graduate of North Carolina A&T University and a Durham, North Carolina native. In an interview with CBS 17, he spoke about the show’s broader message, stressing the importance of higher education and HBCUs.
“We want to pass on that higher education is still okay to seek because it has helped a lot of us get to where we are today,” he said. “And I don’t want that to get lost. Go to an HBCU. Be the majority. Do things you’ve never done before. I’m a better man for it.”
His previous acting credits include “All’s Fair.”
Dasan Frazier
A former Morehouse Maroon Tiger, Dasan Frazier plays Xavier, the top streamer at Hillman who’s always online, always recording, and always in the know about campus happenings. He’s the go-to source for news and updates as things unfold across the college.
The character feels like real life for Frazier, who’s built a significant following on TikTok and Instagram as a content creator. His social media presence actually played a key role in landing the role. Before “A Different World,” Frazier appeared in “Law & Order,” Tyler Perry’s “Straw,” “Beyond the Gates,” and other projects.
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