Virginia Union University has been picked as the pre-season favorite to win the CIAA football title, marking the first time in more than 25 years the Panthers have earned the top spot in the league’s predicted order of finish.

The announcement was made last week during CIAA Football Media Day in Durham, North Carolina, where coaches and conference officials gathered ahead of the 2025 season. 

Virginia Union was followed by Johnson C. Smith at No. 2 and Virginia State University at No. 3.

Fayetteville State was selected fourth, with Winston-Salem State and Bowie State rounding out the top half of the poll. The rest of the order includes Livingstone, Shaw, Elizabeth City State, Lincoln (Pa.) and Bluefield State.

VUU, the back-to-back CIAA champion, also placed five players on the Preseason All-CIAA Team, including running back Travon Tensley, wide receiver and return specialist Zyaire Tart (selected at both positions), offensive lineman Adrian Crespin and kicker Brady Myers.

“We’re honored to be recognized as the preseason number one, but we know it’s just a reflection of past efforts — not future results,” said VUU head coach Alvin Parker. “Our focus remains on the work ahead, staying humble, and proving ourselves one game at a time with an extremely challenging schedule.”

Just behind Union, Virginia State made its presence known by leading all CIAA programs with seven Preseason All-CIAA selections. The Trojans return standout offensive linemen Bruno Onwuazor, the 2024 CIAA Offensive Lineman of the Year, and Tyleek McCoy.

Defensively, VSU is anchored by Jayshaun Alston, Cameron Davis, KJ McNeil, Donavan Howard and Marquis Edmond. Edmond was named CIAA Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, and Howard earned All-CIAA First Team honors last season.

VUU will open its 2025 season on a national stage when it takes on Miles College in the NFL Black College Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday, Aug. 31, in Canton, Ohio. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.