DURHAM, N.C. (July 15, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) officially kicked off the 2026 football season Wednesday during CIAA Football Media Day, announcing the 2026 Football Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason All-CIAA Team.
Virginia Union University was selected as the preseason favorite in the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association (SIDA) Predicted Order of Finish, followed by defending CIAA Football Champion Johnson C. Smith University, Fayetteville State University and Virginia State University.
The announcement comes after a historic 2025 season that saw Johnson C. Smith capture its first CIAA Football Championship since 1969. The Golden Bulls defeated two-time defending champion Virginia Union, 45-21, ending a 55-year championship drought after the Panthers completed a perfect 7-0 conference regular season and entered the championship game seeking a third consecutive CIAA title. Johnson C. Smith and Fayetteville State each finished 6-1 in conference play, highlighting one of the most competitive championship races in recent conference history.
"The excitement surrounding CIAA Football continues to grow, and we are thrilled to officially begin another season," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. "Last year's championship reminded us how competitive this conference has become, and we expect that momentum to continue this fall. Expanding Championship Weekend allows us to celebrate even more of our student-athletes while creating an enhanced experience for our fans, member institutions and partners."
In addition to announcing the preseason poll and preseason team, the CIAA unveiled an expanded Championship Weekend that will bring four of the conference's top football programs to Durham County Memorial Stadium. The weekend begins Friday, Nov. 13, with a newly added contest featuring the teams finishing third and fourth in the final regular-season standings before culminating with the 56th CIAA Football Championship on Saturday, Nov. 14, featuring the conference's top two teams.
Durham will host CIAA Football Championship Weekend for the second consecutive year as part of the conference's partnership with the Durham Sports Commission.
Eight CIAA institutions earned representation on the 2026 Preseason All-CIAA Team. Johnson C. Smith led all schools with six selections, followed by Fayetteville State with five and Elizabeth City State with four. Bowie State University placed three student-athletes on the preseason squad, while Bluefield State University, Livingstone College, Virginia State University and Virginia Union University each earned one selection.
2026 CIAA Football Predicted Order of Finish
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Virginia Union University
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Johnson C. Smith University
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Fayetteville State University
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Virginia State University
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Winston-Salem State University
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Livingstone College
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Elizabeth City State University
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Bowie State University
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Bluefield State University
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Shaw University
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Lincoln University (Pa.)
2026 Preseason All-CIAA Team
*An asterisk denotes a returning 2025 All-CIAA First Team selection.
Quarterback
Rahsaan Matthews Jr., Virginia State University
Running Backs
Micah Robinson, Bowie State University
Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith University*
Wide Receivers
Brandon Wiley, Bluefield State University*
Brian Lane, Johnson C. Smith University*
Marcus Fleming, Fayetteville State University
Tight End
Joe Griffin, Elizabeth City State University
Offensive Linemen
Jamari Mason, Johnson C. Smith University*
Robert Early, Johnson C. Smith University
Malachi Jones, Fayetteville State University
Toriono Combs, Elizabeth City State University*
Marcus Andrews, Johnson C. Smith University
Defensive Line
Dalan Johnson, Bowie State University
Joseph Woodard, Fayetteville State University
Christopher Gordon, Fayetteville State University
Sir'Sean Ingram, Elizabeth City State University
Deshawn Willoughby, Bowie State University
Linebackers
Jaevon Branch, Elizabeth City State University
Vincent Hill, Johnson C. Smith University*
Jatavien Taylor, Fayetteville State University
Defensive Backs
Amari Best, Fayetteville State University
Placekicker
Jason Zapata, Livingstone College
Punter
Abdoulazim Bayor, Fayetteville State University
Kick Return Specialist
Shamar Sutton, Elizabeth City State University
Punt Return Specialist
Zyaire Tart, Virginia Union University*
The CIAA is also inviting fans to celebrate its rich history with a special 24-hour "Pay What Legacy Started" Flash Sale for the 2026 CIAA Football Championship Weekend. For one day only, fans can purchase the CIAA Football Championship Weekend Bundle for just $19.12, a tribute to 1912, the year the conference was founded. The bundle, regularly priced at $55, is be available at the commemorative price for 24 hours before returning to its standard rate. Purchase now!
Who Got Next? Don't miss your opportunity to be part of championship weekend in Durham. Gather your crew, secure your bundle and celebrate the next chapter of CIAA football history.
The 2026 CIAA football season kicks off in late August, with conference play beginning in September. The season culminates Nov. 13-14 at Durham County Memorial Stadium with the inaugural CIAA Football Championship Weekend, highlighted by the 56th CIAA Football Championship on Saturday, Nov. 14, to determine the conference champion and automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division II Football Championship.
Media Contact
Anna M. Butzlaff | abutzlaff@theciaa.com
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications & External Operations
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 United States and one of the most recognized conferences in NCAA Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The CIAA Basketball Tournament was recognized as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, honoring the tournament's economic impact in 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 (Pa.), Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University.
For more information about the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow the conference on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.