Virginia Union Captures 2026 CIAA® Football Championship with Thrilling 15-14 Victory Over Johnson C. Smith
More Than 5,100 Fans Witness Championship Game MVP Ramon Brown Deliver Game-Winning 69-Yard Touchdown as Panthers Claim Conference Crown
DURHAM, N.C. (November 14, 2026) — Before a crowd of more than 5,100 fans at Durham County Memorial Stadium, Virginia Union University captured the 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) Football Championship with a dramatic 15-14 victory over Johnson C. Smith University on Saturday. Led by Championship Game Most Valuable Player Ramon Brown, whose electrifying 69-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run provided the winning points, the Panthers completed their championship journey in thrilling fashion.
The championship matchup between the conference's top two seeds delivered a defensive battle and a dramatic finish, as Virginia Union overcame a five-point fourth-quarter deficit to secure the conference crown.
The victory capped an impressive conference campaign for Virginia Union, which entered Championship Saturday as the No. 1 seed following an undefeated CIAA regular season.
A Championship Battle Until the Final Whistle
Saturday's championship matchup featured two of the conference's premier programs, with more than 5,100 fans filling the stadium to witness the crowning of the 2026 CIAA Football Champion.
Virginia Union opened the contest with six first-quarter points, but Johnson C. Smith answered with seven to take a narrow lead after the opening period.
The Golden Bulls added another touchdown in the second quarter, while the Panthers managed three points, sending Johnson C. Smith into halftime with a 14-9 advantage.
Neither team scored in the third quarter as both defenses continued to battle for control.
With the championship hanging in the balance, Virginia Union delivered the game's defining moment in the fourth quarter.
Brown broke free for a 69-yard touchdown run, turning a five-point deficit into a one-point advantage and shifting momentum back to the Panthers.
Virginia Union's defense held Johnson C. Smith scoreless throughout the second half, preserving the 15-14 lead and securing the conference championship.
The tightly contested matchup showcased the determination, physicality and competitive spirit of two programs that earned their places on the championship stage.
Ramon Brown Named 2026 CIAA Football Championship Game Most Valuable Player
Virginia Union University running back No. 3 Ramon Brown was named the 2026 CIAA Football Championship Game Most Valuable Player following his pivotal performance in the Panthers' 15-14 victory over Johnson C. Smith University.
With Virginia Union trailing 14-9 in the fourth quarter, Brown delivered the defining play of the championship, breaking free for a 69-yard touchdown run that gave the Panthers their first lead since the opening quarter.
The explosive scoring play ultimately proved to be the difference as Virginia Union's defense held Johnson C. Smith scoreless in the second half to secure the conference championship.
Brown's game-changing performance earned him MVP honors and helped deliver the 2026 CIAA Football Championship trophy to Virginia Union University.
Defensive Effort Helps Secure Championship Victory
Both teams relied heavily on their rushing attacks throughout the contest.
Johnson C. Smith finished with 238 rushing yards on 43 attempts, while Virginia Union recorded 202 yards on 39 carries.
The Golden Bulls also held a 13-11 advantage in first downs, reflecting the closely contested nature of the championship matchup.
Defensively, CIAA Defensive Player of the Year Ahmad Ross led Virginia Union with nine tackles, while Elijah Candia added eight and Quincy Jefferson contributed seven.
For Johnson C. Smith, Vincent Hill recorded a game-high 10 tackles, followed by Rossie Grimes with seven and Jamaris Stevens with five.
Virginia Union's ability to keep Johnson C. Smith off the scoreboard in the second half ultimately proved decisive in securing the championship.
Virginia Union Completes Championship Journey
Under the leadership of CIAA Coach of the Year Dr. Alvin Parker, Virginia Union entered the postseason as the conference's top seed following an undefeated conference regular season.
The Panthers' championship victory represented the culmination of a season defined by consistency, resilience and a commitment to finishing strong.
For Johnson C. Smith, the championship appearance capped another competitive season for the Golden Bulls, who earned the No. 2 seed and challenged the Panthers until the final whistle.
Both programs contributed to an exciting championship contest that demonstrated the strength and competitiveness of CIAA football.
Inaugural CIAA Football Championship Weekend Delivers Memorable Moments
Saturday's championship game brought an exciting conclusion to the CIAA's inaugural expanded Football Championship Weekend, which introduced the Friday Night Blitz as an additional postseason showcase for the conference's top four programs.
More than 5,100 fans attended Saturday's championship matchup, creating an exciting atmosphere as Virginia Union and Johnson C. Smith battled for the conference title.
On Friday evening, Fayetteville State University made history by defeating Virginia State University, 31-29, in the inaugural Friday Night Blitz.
More than 2,100 fans braved the cold Friday night temperatures to witness the historic contest, which featured Fayetteville State overcoming a 21-point deficit before securing the victory on a 30-yard field goal by John Hernandez-Vargas with 1:47 remaining.
The opening night also featured a significant moment for women in sports leadership during the ceremonial coin toss. The occasion brought together a woman serving as the game's white cap official, the Chair of the CIAA Board of Directors, the Commissioner of the CIAA and the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Durham Sports Commission.
Together, the women represented leadership across officiating, collegiate athletics, conference governance and sports tourism, highlighting the impact of women throughout the sports industry.
Across the two-day championship weekend, more than 7,200 fans attended the inaugural expanded event, demonstrating strong support for CIAA football and its member institutions.
From Friday night's historic comeback to Saturday's one-point championship finish, the inaugural expanded weekend provided two memorable contests and an exciting celebration of CIAA football.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 CIAA Football Championship now complete, attention turns to the NCAA Division II Football Playoff selections.
The NCAA Division II Football Selection Show is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at 6 p.m. ET on NCAA.com, with first-round playoff contests scheduled for Saturday, November 21.
The CIAA congratulates Virginia Union University on capturing the 2026 CIAA Football Championship and recognizes Johnson C. Smith University, Fayetteville State University and Virginia State University for their participation in the inaugural expanded Championship Weekend.
Four Teams. Two Games. One Championship Weekend. WHO GOT NEXT?
Media Contact
Matisse S. Lee
Senior Associate Commissioner, Communications & Marketing, Special Projects / SWA
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
mlee@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 United States and one of the most recognized conferences in NCAA Division II. The CIAA conducts 15 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The CIAA Basketball Tournament has been honored as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the presidents and chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bluefield State University, Bowie 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 www.theciaa.com and follow the conference on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.