A staff report
Durham, N.C. — Virginia State quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr. heads up on the 2026 preseason All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association football team which was announced on Wednesday at the league’s media day.
Matthews, who’s 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds, completed 180 of 296 yards for 2,361 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. Had eight interceptions and finished with a 144.70 rating. He also rushed 103 times for 562 yards and three touchdowns while leading the Trojans to a 6-4 record.
Johnson C. Smith led all schools with six selections including running back Bobby Smith, 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 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*