CIAA’s Johnson C. Smith ranked atop the Inaugural Black College Football Division II Poll

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The inaugural Black College Football Poll debuted this week, giving HBCU football fans their first look at how a 57-member voting panel views the 2026 season.

The preseason rankings place Johnson C. Smith at No. 1 in NCAA Division II.

Johnson C. Smith won the CIAA championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in program history. The Golden Bulls collected 168 points and 12 first-place votes to claim the Division II preseason crown.

The Golden Bulls begin 2026 as the teams to beat.

NCAA Division II

  1. Johnson C. Smith (CIAA) — 10-2, 6-1

  2. Benedict (SIAC) — 10-3, 7-1

  3. Albany State (SIAC) — 12-2, 8-0

  4. Virginia Union (CIAA) — 9-3, 7-0

  5. Kentucky State (SIAC) — 9-3, 7-1

  6. Fayetteville State (CIAA) — 6-4, 6-1

  7. Virginia State (CIAA) — 6-4, 4-3

  8. Allen (SIAC) — 6-5, 5-3

  9. Edward Waters (SIAC) — 5-5, 4-4

  10. Tuskegee (SIAC) — 4-7, 3-7

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