A Staff report

DURHAM, N.C.  – Virginia Union was selected as the preseason favorite to win the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association football championship at the conference’s media day on Wedneday.

The CIAA Sports Information Directors Association (SIDA) predicted the order of finish.

Virginia Union was followed by defending CIAA football fhampion Johnson C. Smith, Fayetteville State and Virginia State.

Last season, Johnson C. Smith captured its first CIAA Football Championship since 1969. The Golden Bulls defeated two-time defending champion Virginia Union, 45-21, ending a 55-year championship drought after the Panthers completed a perfect 7-0 conference regular season and entered the championship game seeking a third consecutive CIAA title.

Johnson C. Smith and Fayetteville State each finished 6-1 in conference play, highlighting one of the most competitive championship races in recent conference history.

“The excitement surrounding CIAA Football continues to grow, and we are thrilled to officially begin another season,” said CIAA commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “Last year’s championship reminded us how competitive this conference has become, and we expect that momentum to continue this fall. Expanding championship weekend allows us to celebrate even more of our student-athletes while creating an enhanced experience for our fans, member institutions and partners.”

In addition to announcing the preseason poll and preseason team, the CIAA unveiled an expanded championship weekend that will bring four of the conference’s top football programs to Durham County Memorial Stadium. The weekend begins Friday, Nov. 13, with a newly added contest featuring the teams finishing third and fourth in the final regular-season standings before culminating with the 56th CIAA football championship on Saturday, Nov. 14, featuring the conference’s top two teams.

Durham will host CIAA football championship weekend for the second consecutive year as part of the conference’s partnership with the Durham Sports Commission.

2026 CIAA Football Predicted Order of Finish

1. Virginia Union University

2. Johnson C. Smith University

3. Fayetteville State University

4. Virginia State University

5. Winston-Salem State University

6. Livingstone College

7. Elizabeth City State University

8. Bowie State University

9. Bluefield State University

10. Shaw University

11. Lincoln University (Pa.)