Charlotte, NC (October 31, 2025) – The 2025 CIAA Football regular season heads into Week Nine with four programs, Virginia Union, Fayetteville State, Johnson C. Smith, and Virginia State, still in contention for a spot in the 55th Annual CIAA Football Championship.
The top two teams in the conference standings will advance to the title game on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, NC, where the CIAA crown and an automatic berth to the NCAA Division II Playoffs will be on the line.
After a decade away, the CIAA is thrilled to return to Durham for this year’s championship and invites alumni, fans, and supporters from across the conference to help make this one of the most historic and well-attended championships in conference history.
Get your tickets now and be part of the legacy. All Ticketing and tailgate information for the 2025 CIAA Football Championship can be found here.
Bowie State University Bulldogs vs Elizabeth City State University Vikings
Bowie, MD (1:00 PM, Conf.) | Watch Live: CIAA Sports Network
Historical context: Bowie State has dominated this series in recent years; the Bulldogs hold a 13-2 record against Elizabeth City State. The Vikings’ last win came in 2012 (14-13), and since then, Bowie State has maintained control, winning ten straight meetings.
What’s at stake: Bowie State looks to close the season strong and continue building momentum, while Elizabeth City State seeks a breakthrough victory to finish on a high note and carry confidence into the offseason.
Key players to watch:
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For Elizabeth City State: Quarterback Christopher Perkins (1,284 passing yards, 14 TDs) and running back Traquan Johnson (411 yards, 3 TDs) pace the Vikings’ offensive unit.
Watch for: Bowie State’s rushing attack against ECSU’s defensive front. If the Vikings can slow Robinson and force the Bulldogs into long passing downs, they could keep this matchup competitive.
No. 24 Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls at Fayetteville State University Broncos
Fayetteville, NC (1:00 PM, Conf.) | TV: HBCU GO | The Grio
Historical context: Fayetteville State has owned this rivalry, winning eight straight games over Johnson C. Smith dating back to 2016 and holding a 20-3 record against the Golden Bulls since 2000.
What’s at stake: Both teams enter Week Nine with championship implications on the line. An undefeated Fayetteville State (5-0 CIAA) can clinch a championship berth with a win, while No. 24 Johnson C. Smith (4-1 CIAA) must pull off an upset to remain in contention for Durham.
Key players to watch:
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For Fayetteville State: Quarterback Demari Daniels has contributed more than 1,500 yards of total offense this season, complemented by running back Bryce Council (418 yards, 5 TDs) and linebacker Matthew Leach (54 tackles).
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For Johnson C. Smith: Quarterback Kelvin Durham leads the CIAA with 2,074 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. Running back Bobby Smith (634 yards, 7 TDs) and wide receiver Brian Lane (624 yards, 5 TDs) headline a potent offense.
Watch for: Fayetteville State’s defense has been one of the conference’s toughest units, while Johnson C. Smith’s offense ranks among its most dynamic. The winner will remain squarely in the championship race.
Livingstone College Blue Bears vs Shaw University Bears
Salisbury, NC (2:00 PM, Conf.) | Watch Live: CIAA Sports Network
Historical context: Shaw has controlled this series in recent years, but Livingstone looks to change the narrative at home. Both programs have shown consistent growth with young rosters gaining valuable experience this season.
What’s at stake: Both teams seek to finish the season on a positive note. Livingstone aims to secure a key home win under second-year leadership, while Shaw looks to regain traction and finish with a strong conference showing.
Key players to watch:
Watch for: The battle up front between Livingstone’s offensive line and Shaw’s pressure defense. Whichever side controls the trenches will set the tone.
Virginia State University Trojans vs Lincoln University (PA) Lions
Petersburg, VA (2:00 PM, Conf.) | Watch Live: CIAA Sports Network
Historical context: Virginia State has historically dominated this matchup, including multiple decisive wins in recent seasons. The Trojans have proven tough to beat at Rogers Stadium, while Lincoln continues to push forward under a developing offensive scheme.
What’s at stake: At 3-2 in conference play, Virginia State must win to stay in the championship hunt. Lincoln (PA) looks to play spoiler and end the Trojans’ postseason aspirations with a strong road performance.
Key players to watch:
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For Virginia State: Quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr. (1,925 passing yards, 16 TDs) and wideout Malik Hunter (552 yards, 5 TDs) lead an offense averaging over 400 yards per game. Linebacker Mehkhi Johnson anchors the defensive front with 52 tackles.
Watch for: Virginia State’s offensive rhythm early. If Matthews Jr. and the Trojans’ balanced attack find momentum, they could remain in contention entering the final week.
No. 17 Virginia Union University Panthers at Bluefield State University Big Blue
Bluefield, WV (6:00 PM, Conf.) | Watch Live: CIAA Sports Network
Historical context: Virginia Union, the defending CIAA champion, has established itself as one of Division II’s premier programs and remains unbeaten in conference play. Bluefield State, now in its third season as a CIAA member, continues to build momentum and will look for a statement win at home against one of the nation’s top-ranked teams.
What’s at stake: A win for No. 17 Virginia Union (5-0 CIAA) moves them one step closer to a third straight trip to the CIAA Championship. Bluefield State, meanwhile, aims to hand the Panthers their first conference loss and disrupt the final standings.
Key players to watch:
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For Virginia Union: Running back Curtis Allen leads all of Division II with 1,516 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, while quarterback RJ Rosales has contributed 17 total touchdowns through the air and on the ground. Linebacker Ahmad Ross continues to pace the defense with 40 tackles.
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For Bluefield State: Quarterback Brice Koontz (1,585 yards, 17 TDs) and wide receiver Brandon Wiley (620 yards, 9 TDs) headline the Big Blue offense, with linebacker Mike Riley leading the defense with 56 tackles.
Watch for: Curtis Allen’s ability to control the ground game. If Bluefield State can contain him early, the Big Blue could challenge the conference’s top-ranked team in front of their home crowd.
Final Word: With Virginia Union, Fayetteville State, Johnson C. Smith, and Virginia State still in contention, Week Nine will play a pivotal role in shaping the 2025 CIAA Championship field. The results this weekend could determine who advances to Durham County Memorial Stadium on November 15 for the 55th Annual CIAA Football Championship, where the conference’s best will compete for the title and a berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff | abutzlaff@theciaa.com
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.
For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.