African-American student Malik is on a track scholarship; academics are not his strong suit, and he goes in thinking that his athletic abilities will earn him a free ride through college. Fudge, a "professional student" who has been at Columbus for six years so far, becomes friendly with Malik and challenges his views about race and politics in America.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Omar EppsMalik Williams | Malik Williams |
 Kristy SwansonKristen Connor | Kristen Connor |
 Michael RapaportRemy | Remy |
 Jennifer ConnellyTaryn | Taryn |
 Ice CubeFudge | Fudge |
 Jason WilesWayne | Wayne |
 Tyra BanksDeja | Deja |
 Cole HauserScott Moss | Scott Moss |
 Laurence FishburneProfessor Maurice Phipps | Professor Maurice Phipps |
 Regina KingMonet | Monet |
 Busta RhymesDreads | Dreads |
 Bridgette WilsonNicole | Nicole |
 Vitamin CFestival Singer | Festival Singer |
 Kari WührerClaudia | Claudia |
 Tony DonnoGay Victim | Gay Victim |
 Adam GoldbergDavid Isaacs | David Isaacs |
 Jay R. FergusonBilly | Billy |
 Morris ChestnutTrack Anchor | Track Anchor |
| SShawn Michael PerryNative American Student (uncredited) | Native American Student (uncredited) |
 Trevor St. JohnJames | James |
| TTalbert MortonErik | Erik |
 Andrew BryniarskiKnocko | Knocko |
 J. Trevor EdmondEddie | Eddie |
| MMalcolm NorringtonCory | Cory |
| MMichael B. SilverFrat Member | Frat Member |
 Rick AveryGuard Beats Malik | Guard Beats Malik |