Charlotte, NC (November 10, 2025) – Week Ten of CIAA Football marked the end of the 2025 regular season, with all teams finishing play except Virginia Union University and Johnson C. Smith University, who advance to the 2025 CIAA Football Championship.
Virginia Union Finishes Perfect, Eyes Three-Peat
Virginia Union University (VUU) capped its regular season with a dominant showing, securing a perfect conference record for the second time in three years. Led by one of the nation’s top rushing attacks and a relentless defense, the Panthers have their sights set on a third consecutive CIAA Football Championship title.
Johnson C. Smith Makes History
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) closed its season in historic fashion, earning a spot in the CIAA Championship for the first time since 1972. The Golden Bulls powered through the final stretch of the season with consistency and confidence, marking a new era for the program and setting the stage for a championship showdown in Durham.
Fayetteville State and Livingstone Shine in Season Finales
Fayetteville State University (FSU) showcased its trademark balance on both sides of the ball, closing out the regular season with another strong performance. Livingstone College’s offense continued to show promise with explosive playmaking ability that positions the Blue Bears for growth heading into 2026.
Defensive Depth Across the Conference
Defensive performances defined the weekend across the CIAA, with teams showing discipline, pressure, and playmaking on every level. Elizabeth City State University and Bowie State University both capped their seasons with standout defensive efforts, while ECSU’s special teams provided key momentum in their season finale victory.
As the regular season concludes, the focus now shifts to Durham, NC, where Virginia Union University and Johnson C. Smith University will meet in the 2025 CIAA Football Championship on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 PM ET inside Durham County Memorial Stadium. Ticketing and tailgate information can be found here.
WEEK 10: CIAA FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Quarterback – Joe Owens Jr., Fayetteville State University
Owens was calm, confident, and in complete control of Fayetteville State’s offense from start to finish. The senior signal-caller completed 18 of 24 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 39 yards on six carries, including a 19-yard burst that kept the chains moving in key moments. Most impressive was his composure in the pocket; zero sacks, zero interceptions, and complete efficiency. Owens’ decision-making and dual-threat ability guided the Broncos to one of their most well-executed offensive outings of the year.
Offensive Back – Traquan Johnson, Elizabeth City State University
Johnson delivered one of the most dominant rushing performances of the season, powering Elizabeth City State’s 70-30 victory over Bluefield State. The junior back from St. Petersburg, Florida, rushed for 192 yards and five touchdowns on just 20 carries, averaging a staggering 9.6 yards per attempt. He also added a 37-yard reception, showcasing his versatility out of the backfield. Johnson’s five-touchdown day was among the top single-game performances in recent CIAA history and set the tone for ECSU’s offensive explosion.
Offensive Lineman – Toriono Combs, Elizabeth City State University
Combs anchored an offensive line that paved the way for a record-setting offensive day. The Vikings’ front five created consistent running lanes for Johnson’s 192-yard, five-touchdown performance while keeping their quarterback upright throughout the game. Combs’ technique, power, and leadership were critical to ECSU’s offensive rhythm, as the team finished with over 400 total yards of offense and one of its most balanced outings of the season.
Receiver – Davyn Reid, Livingstone College
Reid turned in a career day for the Blue Bears in their rivalry matchup against Johnson C. Smith, posting 156 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His explosiveness was on full display, hauling in an 80-yard score and later striking again with a 65-yard touchdown reception. Reid’s big-play ability forced defenses to account for him on every snap and provided a spark for the Livingstone offense as they closed out the year.
Defensive Back – Samuel Graham, Bowie State University
Graham was the heart of Bowie State’s defense in its season-ending win over Lincoln (PA). The senior defensive back led all players with 13 tackles, flying to the football and keeping Lincoln’s offense in check. He also anchored a secondary that locked down in the red zone, allowing no passing touchdowns after the first quarter. Graham’s leadership and consistency were the backbone of a Bulldogs defense that finished strong.
Linebacker – Lamumba Howard, Virginia Union University
Howard was everywhere for Virginia Union in the Panthers’ rivalry win over Virginia State. The senior linebacker recorded 15 tackles, one sack, and several key stops that halted VSU drives. His physical presence in the middle of the defense earned him Defensive MVP honors and helped VUU complete a perfect conference season. Howard’s dominance reinforced his reputation as one of the CIAA’s most reliable defensive leaders heading into the championship game.
Defensive Lineman – Shawn Robinson, Fayetteville State University
Robinson’s name didn’t fill the box score, but his impact was undeniable. The senior defensive lineman recorded two sacks for a loss of nine yards, including a crucial takedown late in the fourth quarter that sealed the Broncos’ victory. His pressure up front set the tone defensively and forced opposing quarterbacks to rush throws throughout the afternoon.
Special Teams – Shamar Sutton, Elizabeth City State University
Sutton made an immediate statement in ECSU’s win over Bluefield State, returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to ignite the crowd and swing momentum from the first play. His return was the spark that fueled the Vikings’ 70-point explosion and showcased his speed and field vision. Sutton’s performance was a reminder of how critical special teams can be in changing the course of a game.
Rookie – Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith University
Smith continued his breakout freshman campaign with a season-best performance, rushing for 164 yards on 37 carries and a touchdown in JCSU’s rivalry victory over Livingstone. His strength and poise under pressure helped the Golden Bulls control the clock and secure their first CIAA Championship berth in over 50 years. Smith’s ability to shoulder the load and deliver in critical moments has made him one of the brightest young talents in the conference.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
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 the CIAA on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.