Game Day Information

CIAA Football Championship Game
Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls vs. Virginia Union Panthers
Location: Durham County Memorial Stadium, Durham, N.C.
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: Kickoff – 3 p.m.
Broadcast, Live Stats and Tickets: Visit the official JCSU Athletics website for game-day information and links. The Johnson C. Smith University football team is headed back to the CIAA Football Championship Game as the Golden Bulls prepare to face the Virginia Union University Panthers on Saturday, November 14, at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Johnson C. Smith enters the championship contest following a 27-14 victory over Livingstone College in the annual Commemorative Classic, securing its place in the CIAA title game for the second consecutive season. The Golden Bulls will look to defend their conference championship and continue a historic run under the direction of head coach Maurice Flowers.

The appearance marks another significant milestone for the Golden Bulls, who captured the 2025 CIAA Football Championship, ending a 56-year championship drought. That historic victory established a new chapter for the JCSU football program and elevated expectations heading into the 2026 campaign.

Standing in their way are the Virginia Union Panthers, who will meet the Golden Bulls in a matchup featuring two of the CIAA's premier football programs. Virginia Union will look to reclaim the conference title, while Johnson C. Smith aims to repeat as champions and bring another championship trophy back to Charlotte.

With the conference championship on the line, Saturday's contest represents an opportunity for Johnson C. Smith to further cement its place among the CIAA's top football programs. The Golden Bulls will rely on their preparation, discipline and championship experience as they take the field for one final opportunity to bring home the title.