Virginia Union University's football team is ranked 25th in the nation in the pre-season NCAA Division II poll by Lindy's Sports Magazine, it was announced on Thursday, May 27.
 
This marks the second time in program memory that the Panthers, who finished 7-3 in 2019, have cracked the Lindy's Pre-Season Poll.
 
Virginia Union joins Bowie State University (#15) as the only CIAA schools listed in the Top 25 poll out of 321 Division II schools which sponsor athletics.
 
VUU will open the 2021 season at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, when the Panthers face Hampton University in Hampton, Va.
 
VUU will also play host to #8 Valdosta State University on September 11 while #15 Bowie State comes into Hovey Stadium on October 23.
 
"Lindy's is one of the most trusted publications when it comes to college football," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker.  "We are very appreciative to be recognize with such an awesome group of programs. Our players and staff have worked extremely hard this past year to be put in such a prestigious position. Coming off the COVID year the team is very much anticipating what looks to be a tough and challenging season. We definitely look to continue to carry the banner for VUU."
 
Parker is entering his third season at the helm of the VUU football program, and has a career record of 15-5 at Virginia Union.
 
2021 Season Passes will go on sale in the VUU Athletic Department on Tuesday, June 1, for $100, which creates a savings of one free home game.
 
LINDY'S DIVISION II TOP 25

1. West Florida
2. Lenior-Rhyne
3. Ferris State
4. Minnesota State
5. Slippery Rock
6. Northwest Missouri State
7. Texas A&M-Commerce
8. Valdosta State
9. Colorado School of Mines
10. Notre Dame (Ohio)
11. Ouachita Baptist
12. CSU-Pueblo
13. Tiffin
14. Indianapolis
15. Bowie State
16. Shepherd
17. Lindenwood
18. Grand Valley State
19. Harding
20. Indiana (Pa.)
21. Tusculum
22. Wingate
23. Augustana (SD)
24. Central Missouri
25. VIRGINIA UNION