Virginia Union University has earned a national football reputation. Looking ahead, it plans to polish that status this coming season.

Coach Alvin Parker’s Panthers have been selected 14th in Lindy’s Sports’ annual preseason Top 25 ranking for NCAA Division II.

It marks the third straight season that VUU has been nationally ranked to start the campaign.

Based in Birmingham, Ala., Lindy’s is a sports magazine that covers a variety of athletics.

“We want to thank Lindy’s for this huge honor,” Parker said. “The standard has been set and all of the guys are working hard to meet and exceed that level.”

VUU is coming off a 10-2 season in which it won the CIAA title and advanced to the NCAA playoffs. The Panthers outscored their opponents by an average of 36-14 and outgained them 373 yards to 233 per game.

The only other historically Black college or university in Lindy’s poll is No. 25 Benedict, the defending SIAC champion.

VUU will open its season Aug. 31 at Kentucky State.