RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Union University's football program will open the 2025 season with national recognition, earning the No. 19 spot in the first American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Preseason Coaches Poll, released Monday, August 11.
The Panthers are one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to be listed in the Top 25. Fellow HBCU Miles College is tied for the No. 24 ranking. Virginia Union and Miles will meet in a high-profile matchup at the
Black College Hall of Fame Classic on
Sunday, August 31, at
4:00 p.m. in Canton, Ohio.
VUU also claimed the No. 7 position in the 2025
BoxToRow.com HBCU Preseason Poll, with Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) rival Johnson C. Smith University ranked ninth.
Head Coach
Dr. Alvin Parker said the preseason recognition is both an honor and a challenge.
"We're fired up for the 2025 season! Anytime you're recognized by the AFCA, it's special because it comes directly from fellow coaches across the country," Parker said. "Sitting at pre-season No. 19 gives us a target to keep chasing every single week. We're opening the season against another top 25 opponent, so we know the challenge is real and we'll be ready."
2025 AFCA Division II Preseason Coaches Poll (Top 25)
- Ferris St. (30)
- Harding
- Grand Valley St.
- Slippery Rock (1)
- Central Oklahoma
- Colorado St.-Pueblo
- Kutztown
- West Florida
- Pittsburg St.
- Western Colorado
- Minnesota St.
- Valdosta St.
- Angelo St.
- Charleston
- California (Pa.)
- Bemidji St.
- Lenoir-Rhyne
- Ouachita Baptist
- Virginia Union
- UIndy
- Central Washington
- Central Missouri
- Augustana (S.D.)
- t-Ashland
24. t-Miles
2025 BoxToRow.com HBCU Preseason Poll (Top 10)
- Jackson State
- South Carolina State
- North Carolina Central
- Southern
- Florida A&M
- Tennessee State
- Virginia Union
- Alabama State
- Johnson C. Smith
- Albany State
