Virginia Union entered the 2026 campaign with a preseason No. 1 ranking in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and a No. 14 spot in Division II, but the opening game quickly turned into a reality check.
The Panthers were outscored 45-3 by Lenoir-Rhyne, which built a 31-0 lead by halftime. Virginia Union managed only 183 total yards while the Bears accumulated 505, and the team rushed for just 26 yards on 24 attempts.
The offense sputtered, averaging only 1.1 yards per carry and failing to convert any of its nine third‑down attempts. Quarterbacks RJ Rosales and Myles Derricott combined for 9‑of‑19 passing, 157 yards and one interception.
Coach Alvin Parker’s reaction
Coach Dr. Alvin Parker described the performance as disappointing and said the staff would need to revisit offensive strategies, urging the team to get back to the drawing board before the next game.
The loss also underscored the impact of recent roster changes, notably the absence of former standout running back Curtis Allen, whose departure left a noticeable gap in the backfield.
With nine games still remaining, Virginia Union must demonstrate that the opening defeat was an isolated setback rather than a sign of deeper issues, as the preseason expectations continue to loom over the program.