The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has announced its 2026 preseason football rankings, designating Virginia Union University as the team to beat as the conference heads into the new season.
Johnson C. Smith University enters the campaign as the defending champion, having secured its first title since 1969 in 2025, and will look to protect that crown in a championship weekend that has been expanded to Durham County Memorial Stadium.
Preseason All‑CIAA Selections
Johnson C. Smith leads the conference with six preseason All‑CIAA honorees, while Fayetteville State follows with five and Elizabeth City State with four. Additional selections were distributed among Bowie State, Virginia State, Livingstone College, Virginia Union, Bluefield State, Shaw University and Lincoln University (Pa.).
The 2026 CIAA Predicted Order of Finish lists Virginia Union, Johnson C. Smith, Fayetteville State, Virginia State, Winston‑Salem State, Livingstone College, Elizabeth City State, Bowie State, Bluefield State, Shaw and Lincoln (Pa.) as the top contenders.
Key players highlighted on the preseason All‑CIAA team include quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr. of Virginia State, running back Bobby Smith of Johnson C. Smith, and wide receiver Marcus Fleming of Fayetteville State, each expected to play pivotal roles for their respective squads.