Virginia Union opened its 2025 season with a statement. Behind a relentless rushing attack and a stifling defense, the Panthers rolled past Miles College 45-3 on Sunday in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. 

Running back Curtis Allen set the tone for Union, piling up a Classic-record 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. His highlight came midway through the second quarter, when he broke several tackles and hurdled a defender on a 53- yard scoring run that put the Panthers up 10-0 and ignited the offense. 

Quarterback RJ Rosales complemented the ground game with efficiency, completing 9 of 15 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown while adding 54 rushing yards and another score. Virginia Union rushed for 375 yards as a team, overwhelming Miles in the trenches. 

After a competitive start in which Miles managed a first-quarter field goal attempt, the Panthers seized control and never let go. Union scored 35 unanswered points, putting the game out of reach before the third quarter ended. 

VUU’s defense intercepted the Miles quarterback twice. The Golden Bears never established a running game, finishing with just 50 rushing yards. 

Virginia Union’s defense kept pressure on Ivory all afternoon, forcing turnovers and limiting big plays. Dominance on both sides of the ball allowed the Panthers to dictate the pace and showcase the balance that made them CIAA champions last season. 

“Coming out of spring practice, we wanted this team to form their own identity,” said VUU head football coach Dr. Alvin Parker. “I couldn’t tell you what it was before today. All I could tell you is that we had a good team, but I didn’t know what the identity was. But they showed me a little of what it is today, with some dominant line of scrimmage play.” 

The win marks Virginia Union’s second appearance in Canton and its second victory in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic. 

Virginia Union (1-0) will look to build on its explosive opener in two weeks when the Panthers travel to Jacksonville, Florida, to face Edward Waters University in the Unity Classic at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.