title image via Virginia Union Athletics
via VUU Athletics
14
VUU
49
Winner VSU
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VUU | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| VSU | 7 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 49 |
Virginia Union University’s greatest season in the program’s history came to an end as #1 Valdosta State University defeated the Panthers 49-14 in the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals of the Division II Playoffs on Saturday, December 7, in Valdosta, Ga.
The loss marked an end to a season which saw the Panthers advance further in the NCAA Playoffs, play more games, and rack up more total yards than any other VUU football team in the 125-year history of the program.
Individually, VUU’s Jada Byers became the first Panther to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season by rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown against the Blazers. Byers finished the 2024 season with 2,061 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns (one short of the school record of 28 set by Andre Braxton).
Byers also finished his career by being the all-time leading rusher with 5,978 yards as well as being the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 71 rushing touchdowns in his four-year career.
VUU’s Shamar Graham collected 12 tackles against Valdosta, including 10 solo tackles while Reginald Vick, Jr., caught four passes, including a touchdown pass.
“We didn’t play our best, but that was evident,” said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker. “But that doesn’t take away the remarkable season these kids had. I don’t want this loss to over-shadow that. These guys had a heck of a season this year, broke a lot of records and made a lot of history. I’m extremely proud of them. They’re probably going to soak in this a little more because they feel that they didn’t play their best today. But it was an historical run.”
Virginia Union finished the 2024 season with a 10-4 record and a place in the Elite Eight of NCAA Division II Football as well as being the CIAA Champions for the second straight year.
