DURHAM, NC (November 14, 2025) – The stage is set. After ten weeks of grit, grind, and history in the making, the road to Durham has come down to two. Virginia Union University (9–1 overall, 7–0 CIAA) the undefeated conference champion and reigning two-time CIAA titleholder meets Johnson C. Smith University (9–1 overall, 6–1 CIAA), a resurgent powerhouse returning to the championship stage for the first time since 1972.
Kickoff for the 55th CIAA Football Championship is set for Saturday, November 15 at 3:05 PM inside Durham County Memorial Stadium, where legacy, redemption, and history will collide.
For Virginia Union, it’s a shot at dynasty, a chance to complete a perfect conference season and an opportunity to capture a third straight CIAA Football Championship, cementing their place among some of the most dominant runs in conference history.
For Johnson C. Smith, it’s a return born of belief and rebuilding; a program once counted out, now nine wins deep and carrying the hopes of a proud Charlotte community.
When these two teams met earlier this season on September 20 in Richmond, the Panthers claimed a 28–10 victory under the lights at Hovey Field. Two months later, the stakes are higher, the moment bigger, and the rematch set for Durham.
This is the match up CIAA football fans have waited for; two heavyweights built from patience, purpose, and power.
Before the championship kicks off, the CIAA proudly recognizes the conference’s best with the release of its 2025 Football All-Conference Teams and Individual Award winners, celebrating the student-athletes and coaches who defined excellence throughout this unforgettable season.
2025 CIAA Football Individual Awards
Coach of the Year: Maurice Flowers, Johnson C. Smith
In his fourth season at the helm, Flowers led the Golden Bulls to a 9–1 regular season and their first CIAA Championship berth in 53 years. Known for his player-first culture and sharp offensive schemes, Flowers guided one of the most balanced teams in the conference, marking one of the most remarkable turnarounds in CIAA football history.
Offensive Player of the Year: Curtis Allen, Virginia Union
Allen powered the Panthers’ offense with a combination of patience, burst, and strength, leading all of Division II in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, total points scored, points per game, rushing yards per game, and yards per carry among high-volume backs. After three seasons of learning behind CIAA legend Jada Byers, the 2022 National Player of the Year, Allen turned patience into power emerging as the nation’s most productive running back and the centerpiece of Virginia Union’s undefeated conference season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Kenyon Garner, Livingstone
Garner was a relentless force on the defensive front, leading all of Division II in sacks while ranking among the national leaders in tackles for loss. The sophomore anchored a Blue Bears defense that recorded back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in over a decade, consistently commanding double teams and redefining the standard for defensive excellence in Salisbury.
Lineman of the Year: Jamari Mason, Johnson C. Smith
Mason’s dominance in the trenches was central to JCSU’s offensive success. The senior captain anchored a unit that allowed the fewest sacks in the CIAA and produced one of the conference’s top rushing and passing offenses, providing the stability and leadership that propelled the Golden Bulls to Durham.
Special Teams Player of the Year: Brady Myers, Virginia Union
Myers was automatic all season, leading the CIAA in total kicking points (73) and ranking among the nation’s leaders in scoring. The junior went a perfect 55-for-55 on extra points and converted six of seven field goals (85.7 percent), providing Virginia Union with consistent production on every scoring drive. His reliability and poise under pressure made him a key factor in the Panthers’ undefeated conference season and pursuit of a third straight title.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith
Smith made an immediate impact in his debut season, emerging as a key piece of the Golden Bulls’ balanced attack. The freshman running back provided versatility and power in the backfield, helping JCSU secure its first championship appearance since 1972. His production and consistency throughout the season solidified him as one of the top young offensive talents in the CIAA.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jaevon Branch, Elizabeth City State
Branch quickly became a playmaker in the Vikings’ secondary, showcasing strong instincts, tackling ability, and awareness that belied his freshman status. His consistency and presence in key moments made him one of the conference’s most promising young defensive standouts.
Season Snapshot and Team Highlights
This year’s All-CIAA selections reflect a season of renewed dominance, breakthrough campaigns, and milestone performances across the conference.
Virginia Union University, the 2025 CIAA regular season champion, placed four student-athletes on the All-CIAA First Team; Offensive Player of the Year Curtis Allen, lineman Mathias Nielsen, Special Teams Player of the Year Brady Myers, and return specialist Zyaire Tart; with additional Panthers earning Second Team honors. The Panthers finished 7–0 in conference play and now head to Durham in pursuit of a third consecutive CIAA championship, continuing one of the most successful stretches in program history.
Johnson C. Smith University led all programs with nine First Team All-CIAA selections, underscoring a breakout season under CIAA Coach of the Year Maurice Flowers. The Golden Bulls’ balanced offense and disciplined defense produced one of the conference’s most complete teams, highlighted by Lineman of the Year Jamari Mason and Offensive Rookie of the Year Bobby Smith. Their 9–1 campaign and return to the championship stage mark the program’s first CIAA title appearance in more than five decades.
Livingstone College continued its resurgence with a second consecutive winning season and multiple All-CIAA honorees, anchored by Defensive Player of the Year Kenyon Garner. The Blue Bears’ toughness, physical play, and defensive consistency have become defining traits of their steady rise under head coach Sean Gilbert.
Fayetteville State University and Bowie State University also placed multiple student-athletes across both All-CIAA teams, maintaining their long-standing reputations for competitive excellence and program consistency within the conference.
From veteran leadership to emerging young talent, the 2025 season reinforced the CIAA’s enduring legacy of producing championship-caliber football and student-athletes who compete with purpose, pride, and distinction.
2025 All-CIAA First Team
Quarterback
Kelvin Durham, Johnson C. Smith
Running Backs
Curtis Allen, Virginia Union*
Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith
Wide Receivers
Brandon Wiley, Bluefield State
Brian Lane, Johnson C. Smith
DeAndre Proctor, Johnson C. Smith
Tight End
Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah, Fayetteville State
Offensive Linemen
Jamari Mason, Johnson C. Smith*
Bruno Onwuazor, Virginia State
Benjamin Hicks, Fayetteville State
Toriono Combs, Elizabeth City State
Mathias Nielsen, Virginia Union
Defensive Line
Kenyon Garner, Livingstone*
Shawn Robinson, Fayetteville State
Jamal Jones, Bowie State
Cadricus Stanley, Johnson C. Smith
Linebackers
Chris Calhoun, Elizabeth City State
Vincent Hill, Johnson C. Smith
Matthew Leach, Fayetteville State
Defensive Backs
Keyshawn Monk, Fayetteville State
Elijah McKenzie, Bowie State
Samuel Graham, Bowie State
Daryl Taybron, Johnson C. Smith
Placekicker
Brady Myers, Virginia Union*
Punter
Danny Dales, Bluefield State
Kick Return Specialist
Isaiah Perry, Johnson C. Smith
Punt Return Specialist
Zyaire Tart, Virginia Union
2025 All-CIAA Second Team
Quarterback
Rahsaan Matthews Jr., Virginia State
Running Backs
Micah Robinson, Bowie State
Ri’Jon Hammond, Virginia State
Wide Receivers
Julian Crawley, Bluefield State
Jaylen Pretlow, Virginia State
Malik Hunter, Virginia State
Tight End
Reginald Hairston, Bluefield State
Offensive Linemen
Joseph Rounds, Virginia Union
Tyleek McCoy, Virginia State
Adrian Crespin, Virginia Union
Robert Early, Johnson C. Smith
Jolen Thompson, Fayetteville State
Defensive Line
Kamari Frederick, Virginia Union
Sir’Sean Ingram, Elizabeth City State
C.J. Brown, Winston-Salem State
Jalen Alexander, Johnson C. Smith
Linebackers
Jamieson Alston, Winston-Salem State
Mehkhi Johnson, Virginia State
Damir McCrary, Bowie State
Defensive Backs
Evan Powell, Winston-Salem State
Kamaree Wells, Bluefield State
Donavan Howard, Virginia State
Reginald Troutman, Fayetteville State
Placekicker
Lukasz Smolen, Johnson C. Smith
Punter
Joshua Mitchell, Virginia Union
Kick Return Specialist
Ty Lyles, Bowie State
Punt Return Specialist
Joseph Towler, Bowie State
2025 CIAA Football All-Rookie Teams
Offensive All-Rookie
Bobby Smith – RB, Johnson C. Smith*
Julian Crawley – WR, Bluefield State
Isaiah Perry – WR, Johnson C. Smith
Rahsaan Matthews Jr. – QB, Virginia State
Brian Lane – WR, Johnson C. Smith
Braydn Kesselring – OL, Fayetteville State
Unique Kelly – WR, Fayetteville State
Savion Witherspoon – QB, Bowie State
Anton Chavis – OL, Elizabeth City State
Jaylen Pretlow – WR, Virginia State
Alexander Marsh – QB, Shaw
Javen Parker – RB, Livingstone
Defensive All-Rookie
Jaevon Branch – DB, Elizabeth City State*
Amari Best – DB, Fayetteville State
Taviun Chandler – DB, Bluefield State
Jatavien Taylor – LB, Fayetteville State
Malachi Adkins – SAF, Livingstone
Christopher Gordon – DL, Fayetteville State
Joshua Jackson – CB, Livingstone
Manuel Montout – LB, Elizabeth City State
Michael Job – LB, Shaw
Jason Parrilla – DL, Virginia State
Freddie Vaughn Academic Award (2024-2025)
Shaw University
*Denotes Player of the Year Accolade
Championship Preview
The 2025 CIAA Football Championship kicks off at 3:05 PM on Saturday, November 15 at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. The matchup features No. 1 Virginia Union University (9–1 overall, 7–0 CIAA) and No.2 Johnson C. Smith University (9–1 overall, 6–1 CIAA) in a meeting of two programs built on resilience, balance, and legacy.
“This weekend is about celebrating legacy, hard work, and the incredible talent across our conference,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “These student-athletes have shown what it means to compete with purpose, and this championship will be another opportunity to showcase the best of CIAA football on and off the field.”
Fans across the country can watch live coverage on HBCU GO, with in-game updates and highlights available on all CIAA social media platforms.
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.