The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has revealed the coaches and student‑athletes who will take part in the 2026 CIAA Football Media Day scheduled for July 15 in Durham, North Carolina. The gathering marks the official start of the conference’s football season and gives the press a first look at the leadership and talent that will shape the upcoming campaign.
A packed schedule ahead of the season
Alongside Media Day, the CIAA will run a series of community‑focused activities. A free Youth Football Clinic will be held on Tuesday, July 14 at Hillside High School, inviting students in grades three through eight to learn from current student‑athletes and head coaches. The following day, the CIAA® “Live the Legacy” Golf Tournament will tee off at Hillandale Golf Course, with proceeds supporting initiatives that improve the student‑athlete experience across the league.
Twelve member institutions will be represented at the Media Day, including Bluefield State University, Bowie State University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University (Pa.), Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston Salem State University. Their head coaches and a contingent of student athletes will meet with media representatives to discuss expectations, key matchups and the conference’s strategic direction for the 2026 season.
The CIAA, founded in 1912, is recognized as the nation’s oldest African‑American athletic conference. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, it is governed by the presidents and chancellors of its twelve member schools, who oversee both athletic competition and academic support for student‑athletes.
Executives and community partners highlighted the broader impact of the week’s events. By combining media engagement, youth outreach and charitable golf competition, the conference aims to reinforce its tradition of excellence while fostering the next generation of players and fans.