Category: CIAA

Virginia Union Picked to Win CIAA as Conference Unveils 2026 Football Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason All-CIAA Team

Brandon King

irginia Union enters the 2026 football season as the team to beat after being voted the preseason favorite in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Predicted Order of Finish, announced during CIAA Football Media Day. The Panthers edged defending CIAA champion Johnson C. Smith for the top spot in voting conducted by the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association. Fayetteville State was picked to finish third, followed by Virginia State and Winston-Salem State to round out the top five.  2026 CIAA Predicted Order of Finish Johnson C. Smith led all programs…

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North Carolina Invests Nearly $45 Million in Winston-Salem State University to Expand Campus Growth, Scholarships and Student Success

Brandon King

Winston-Salem State University is entering a new era of growth after receiving a nearly $45 million investment from the State of North Carolina, providing critical funding for campus modernization, scholarship opportunities, workforce development and institutional support. The investment represents one of the largest recent commitments to the university and reinforces the importance of historically Black colleges and universities in shaping the future workforce and communities across the state. A Major Investment in the Future of the Rams The funding package includes nearly $40 million dedicated to capital improvements, allowing WSSU…

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Scouting Report: What Bobby Marks Brings to the Transfer Portal

Brandon King

Virginia Union guard Bobby Marks enters the transfer portal as one of the more intriguing under-the-radar prospects after a breakout season that saw him earn CIAA Rookie of the Year honors. 📊  2025 Season Stats 🎯  Strengths Shot Creation Marks’ biggest asset is his ability to go get a bucket. He can create his own shot off the dribble and isn’t afraid of tough looks late in the clock. That alone gives him value at the next level. Scoring Instincts He plays with a natural scorer’s mentality—comfortable attacking, pulling up,…

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Bowie State names Bryan Wilson interim men’s basketball coach

Staff

Courtesy of Bowie State Athletics The Department of Athletics at Bowie State University has elevated longtime associate head coach Bryan Wilson to interim head coach of the Bulldogs men’s basketball program as the university begins a national search for its next head coach. The appointment follows the retirement announcement of former head coach Darrell Brooks, who stepped away from the program in February 2026. Wilson steps into the role after 12 seasons on the Bowie State coaching staff, including the past 11 as Associate Head Coach. A former Bulldog standout, Wilson brings extensive…

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Fayetteville State announces coming indoor track program

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image via Fayetteville State Track Courtesy of Fayetteville State Athletics Fayetteville State University (FSU) announced today that it will add men’s indoor and outdoor track & field as sponsored varsity programs beginning with the 2026–27 academic year. The launch advances the Broncos’ strategic vision to compete for CIAA and NCAA Division II success across the endurance and speed-power spectrum, building on the recent momentum in men’s cross country under Head Coach Dr. Inez Turner. Associate Head Coach Frank Hyland, a key architect in the Broncos’ distance development and culture, will lead the…

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CIAA Tournament News: Fayetteville State beats Bowie State 86-83

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Courtesy of the CIAA Fayetteville State (21–6, 14–2 CIAA) delivered its most dramatic performance of the season on Wednesday night, erasing a double-digit first-half deficit and outlasting Bowie State (8–22, 5–12 CIAA) in a thrilling 86–83 victory in the CIAA Tournament quarterfinals at CFG Bank Arena. Behind an electric second half and a masterful effort from Food Lion Player of the Game Terrell Williams, the Broncos punched their ticket to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Thursday’s Virginia Union vs. Johnson C. Smith matchup on Friday, February 27 at…

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CIAA Tournament News: Fayetteville State defeats Virginia Union 56-49, moves on to semifinal round

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Courtesy of the CIAA Fayetteville State (20–4) surged ahead early and withstood a late Virginia Union (17–9) push to secure a 56–49 victory on Wednesday evening at CFG Bank Arena, advancing to Friday’s semifinal round where they will face the top Northern Division seed, Bowie State, at 6 p.m. The win was anchored by the all-around impact of guard Talia Trotter, who was named the Food Lion Player of the Game. Fayetteville State wasted no time setting the tone. The Broncos opened the game on a decisive run, building a 22–12 lead…

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CIAA Men’s Tournament News: Johnson C. Smith upsets Virginia Union to advance to tourney semis

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Courtesy of the CIAA Johnson C. Smith (12–15) delivered the signature moment of the 2026 CIAA Tournament Thursday night, knocking off nationally ranked Virginia Union (24–5) in a dramatic 64–63 quarterfinal thriller at CFG Bank Arena. With the game — and their season — on the line, Food Lion Player of the Game Jamauri Bryant rose to the moment, burying the go-ahead three with seven seconds remaining to push the Golden Bulls into Friday’s semifinal against #1 Southern seed Fayetteville State at 8 p.m. What began as a tightly contested first half…

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CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament News: Virginia State beats Lincoln 76-60

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Courtesy of the CIAA Virginia State (20–9) delivered a complete, composed performance in its CIAA Tournament opener, defeating Lincoln (PA) (10–20) by a 76–60 margin at CFG Bank Arena. Guided by Food Lion Player of the Game Jacob Cooper,who orchestrated the Trojans’ offense with poise and delivered clutch scoring throughout, Virginia State advanced to Friday’s quarterfinal round where they will face the winner of Claflin vs. Bluefield State on February 27 at 2:00 PM. The opening half showcased high-octane offense on both ends, with ten lead changes and both teams firing confidently…

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CIAA Women’s Tournament : Claflin defeats Virginia State 56-42 to advance to semis

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Courtesy of the CIAA Claflin (17–8, 12–5 CIAA) put together one of its most complete defensive performances of the season on Thursday afternoon, shutting down Virginia State (17–8, 11–5 CIAA) in a decisive 56–42 victory in the CIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament quarterfinals at CFG Bank Arena. The Panthers were powered by a breakout showing from Food Lion Player of the Game Tyra Floyd, whose 16 points and four three-pointers fueled Claflin’s wire-to-wire win. With the victory, Claflin advances to face #1 Southern Division seed Winston-Salem State in the semifinal round on Friday, February 27…

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