For the first time in over 25 years,
Virginia Union University (VUU) has been selected as the preseason favorite to win the
CIAA Football Championship, according to the 2025 preseason predicted order of finish announced at
CIAA Football Media Day on Wednesday, July 16, in
Durham, N.C.
VUU earned the top spot ahead of
Johnson C. Smith University, which was ranked second.
"We're honored to be recognized as the preseason number one, but we know it's just a reflection of past efforts—not future results," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker. "Our focus remains on the work ahead, staying humble, and proving ourselves one game at a time with an extremely challenging schedule. Being the back-to-back champions, we are definitely up for the challenge that the 2025 season will bring."
Virginia Union also made a strong showing on the
Preseason All-CIAA Team, placing five players:
- Travon Tensley – Running Back
- Zyaire Tart – Wide Receiver & Kick Returner (selected at both positions)
- Adrian Crespin – Offensive Lineman
- Brady Myers – Kicker
2025 Predicted Order of Finish – CIAA Football
- Virginia Union
- Johnson C. Smith
- Virginia State
- Fayetteville State
- Winston-Salem State
- Bowie State
- Livingstone
- Shaw
- Elizabeth City State
- Lincoln (PA)
- Bluefield State
The
Panthers will kick off their 2025 campaign on a national stage when they travel to
Canton, Ohio, to take on
Miles College in the
NFL Black College Hall of Fame Classic on
Sunday, August 31, at
4:00 p.m.
