July 16th, 2025 12:00pm
From CIAA Communications:
DURHAM, N.C. (July 16, 2025) - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has officially revealed the highly anticipated 2025 All-CIAA Preseason Football Team, as voted on by the Sports Information Directors Association. Alongside the star-studded roster, the projected order of finish—carefully selected by the Sports Information Directors Association in collaboration with the league’s head football coaches—was also unveiled. The thrilling announcement took place during the CIAA’s annual Football Media Day on Thursday, setting the stage for an electrifying season ahead.
The 2025 All-CIAA Preseason Team is stacked with star power, boasting 12 returning standouts from last season’s elite roster—including eight first-team selections and four major award-winners. Among the headliners are both of last year’s sensational rookies: Offensive Rookie of the Year Micah Robinson (Bowie State) and Defensive Rookie of the Year Marquis Edmond (Virginia State), each poised for even bigger sophomore campaigns. They’re joined by Virginia State’s Bruno Onwuazor, the reigning Lineman of the Year, and Lincoln (PA)’s electrifying Zyaire Tart, who returns as the CIAA’s Special Teams Player of the Year.
Fresh off their 2024 CIAA Football Championship win, Virginia Union is riding high into the new season—earning the top spot in the 2025 Predicted Order of Finish with 103 points. But the race is already heating up. Johnson C. Smith, a team that didn’t even make last year’s title game, surged into second place with 101 points just two shy of the reigning champs—sending a clear message that they’re gunning for the crown. Close behind, last year’s runners-up, Virginia State, is locked in third with 92 points.
2025 Predicted Order of Finish
Virginia Union
Johnson C. Smith
Virginia State
Fayetteville State
Winston-Salem State
Bowie State
Livingstone
Shaw
Elizabeth City State
Lincoln (PA)
Bluefield State
2025 Football All-CIAA Team - Preseason Team
Quarterback
1. Daylin Lee (WSSU)
Running Backs
1. Travon Tensley (VUU, previously Shaw)
2. Micah Robinson (Bowie)
Wide Receivers
1. Brevin Caldwell (JCSU)
2. Zyaire Tart (VUU, previously Lincoln (PA))
Tight End
1. Devin Cunningham (WSSU)
Offensive Linemen
1. Bruno Onwuazor (VSU)
2. Tyleek McCoy (VSU)
3. Benjamin Hicks (FSU)
4. Adrian Crespin (VUU)
5. Elijah Gordon (WSSU)
Defensive Lineman
1. Lamone Hill Jr. (JCSU)
2. Davion Watkins (Livingstone)
3. Jayshaun Alston (VSU)
4. Cameron Davis (VSU)
Linebackers
1. KJ McNeil (VSU)
2. Quewon Hilliard (Shaw)
3. Jamari Slade (FSU)
Defensive Backs
1. Donavan Howard (VSU)
2. Marquis Edmond (VSU)
3. Jordan Williams (Bowie)
4. Keyshawn Monk (FSU)
Kick Returner
1. Zyaire Tart (VUU)
Place Kicker
1. Brady Myers (VUU)
Punt Returner
1. Terrance Holland (ECSU)
Punter
1. Darius Satterfield (ECSU)