DURHAM, N.C. (July 15, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) officially kicked off the 2026 football season Wednesday during CIAA Football Media Day, announcing the 2026 Football Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason All-CIAA Team. 

Virginia Union University was selected as the preseason favorite in the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association (SIDA) Predicted Order of Finish, followed by defending CIAA Football Champion Johnson C. Smith University, Fayetteville State University and Virginia State University. 

The announcement comes after a historic 2025 season that saw Johnson C. Smith capture 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. 

Eight CIAA institutions earned representation on the 2026 Preseason All-CIAA Team. Johnson C. Smith led all schools with six selections, 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 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.) 

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* 

The 2026 CIAA football season kicks off in late August, with conference play beginning in September. The season culminates Nov. 13-14 at Durham County Memorial Stadium with the inaugural CIAA Football Championship Weekend, highlighted by the 56th CIAA Football Championship on Saturday, Nov. 14, to determine the conference champion and automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division II Football Championship.