August 28th, 2025 9:00am
Welcome to the 2025 Season, where is much to unpack. There’s been so much movement in the offseason, and I’ve tried to digest it all so that you can get the cliff notes. A few things to note:
The preseason coaches poll looks like this:
11. Bluefield State
10. Lincoln (PA)
9. Elizabeth City State
8. Shaw
7. Livingstone
6. Bowie State
5. Winston-Salem State
4. Fayetteville State
3. Virginia State
2. Johnson C. Smith
1. Virginia Union
Below are my thoughts on the season and week 0 predictions:
The Rebuilds
11: Lincoln
Key Losses: QB Isaiah Freeman (Hampton), OL Thyago Alvarez (Johnson C. Smith), WR/KR Zyaire Tart (Virginia Union), DB Rontay Dunbar (Johnson C. Smith) WR Dah’mear Triplett, RB Amir Gerald, DB Jahad Green, LB Jefferson Bretanys-Desca (Wheeling)
Key Transfers In: Rondarius Gregory (Northern Illinois/Missouri Valley),
Key Returners: RB Nazsir Oglesby, DL Lester McCoy, DL Marvin Latortue
Well, Lincoln took a massive step back last year, and it just quite hard to watch. The Lions’ offseason got bleaker when losing Freeman and several other standouts (and that doesn’t include WR1 Malachi Langley, who is also not on the roster). As such, its another rebuild from the ground up. Oglesby is a refreshing return and had a respectable 4.3 yards per carry average. In order for Lincoln to get out of the basement, it needs to resurrect the passing game to help the abysmal third-down conversion rate of 29 percent. It also needs a kicking game, as they only made one field goal all season.
Week 0 vs #6 Grand Valley State: “Hello, I would like to report a crime. Yes, there’s a bunch of Laker People poaching a bunch of Lions.” Advantage: GVSU (Was it worth the payday, Lincoln?! Was it?!)
10: Bluefield State
Key Losses (Graduation): WR Thomas Lee, WR Zuriel Ebron, DB Justin Campbell
Key Transfers Out: QB Christian Solino, WR Trey Lyles, RB Ramon Brown (Virginia Union), RB Aiden Lee, DB Anthony Fisher (NC Central), LB Dallas Brown III (Edward Waters)
Key Transfers In: DB Sam Olokeogun (E. Kentucky), DB Zaire Riley (Florida A&M), WR Julian Crawley (WSSU), QB Wesley Thompson (Wingate), WR Carmell McCloud, LB Michael Riley (UAPB)
Key Returners: QB Isiah Teal, OL Caden Johnson, P/K Danny Dales,
Expect another young team to line up for Bluefield State, as the two deep in numerous positions look to include freshmen. Much of the offensive production went into the portal, though Teal returning to Bluefield State should cushion some of the blow. Teal was the starting quarterback season before last and showed flashes of ability to move the offense forward. The offensive line looks inexperienced beyond OL Johnson, so that’s a big wild card against a schedule with a hostile opposing line. Watching Bluefield run the ball last year was watching an exercise in futility, as they averaged just over 2 yards a carry. Adding LB Michael Riley can help with the defense given his FCS experience (35 tackles last year). Dales is among the most experienced specialists in the conference, and they will need him to put Big Blue in favorable field positions.
Week 0 vs Tusculum: Both teams have head coaches going into their second year, and were only able to get one win last season. What really stands out is that Bluefield’s 9 points scoring average was half of Tusculum’s average. Moreover, while Big Blue is having to start with a clean slate in a lot of areas, Tusculum is bringing back 30 lettermen from last year. Where I suspect TU will have an advantage will be offensive line, as they bring back four starters there. Big Blue cant afford a track meet, but it feels like the Pioneers will be exploring the endzone more than Bluefield will like. The goal in this game would be to see if Bluefield can get some sort of consistency on both sides of the ball. Advantage: Tusculum
9: Elizabeth City State
Key Losses: RB Zechariah Adams-Duckson, QB Damarcus Creecy (Iowa Central CC), LB Tracey White, LB Demorian Smith, DB Na’sir Smith, DL Jason Williams (Ouachita Baptist)
Key Transfers: RB Traquan Johnson (Shaw), WR EJ Gatling (UNC-Pembroke), P Diego Coca-Hernandez, DL Malcolm Smith (NW Oklahoma State), LB Chris Calhoun (NM Highlands)
Key Returners: WR Terrance Holland, WR Tru Sierra, RB Rashard Biggs, DL Jordan Evans, DL Tavias Higgs, P Darius Satterfield
Well, we’ve been down this road before. ECSU dumped alum Marcus Hilliard after three seasons and was thrown a lifeline when Shaw did the same with Adrian Jones. Expectations were increasing at ECSU, and I think a little too fast when you think of where the Vikings had been before the Hilliard era. The roster going in this year screams patience given the turnover on offense and what looks like a growing-on-the-job scene. ECSU did benefit from an infusion of talent from the Shaw transfers, of which there are so many to name. RB Johnson stands out, as he was in a crowded backfield at Shaw, and still managed to net 245 rushing yards in 4 games. He should help, as the Vikings have a big question at quarterback. There’s some experience at DL and DB for ECSU. What doesn’t seem to be there at first glance is depth. Expect ECSU to be entertaining, even if that does not turn into wins right away.
Week 0 vs Chowan: ECSU/Chowan games have turned into big rivalry games during Chowan’s stint in the CIAA. I expect nothing less, especially with the two teams trading WRs at a minimum (former Viking Darrian Dalton is now at Chowan, while EJ Gatling played at Chowan before going to UNC-Pembroke and now at ECSU). Last year’s game was a muddy mess at ECSU, and that favored the Vikings in a low scoring 12-9 affair. Weather conditions are sunny, which evens out the…ahem…playing field. It’s a winnable game for ECSU, but the passing attack of QB Maurice Smith and star wideout Jakobe Lane (940 yards of total offense) may be a bit much for the Vikings. Advantage: Chowan
8: Shaw
Key Losses: WR Ah’shaan Belcher, WR Jon Barnes, RB Jatoine Fields, DL Savion Gibbs, QB Christian Peters (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), RB Travon Tensley (Virginia Union), DB Noah Gibson (Coastal Carolina), RB Traquan Johnson (Elizabeth City), Maceo Wingate (transferred)
Key Transfers In: WR Cobie Bates (Shorter)
Key Returners: DB Reagzon Mackey, DB Ja’Laun Walton, DB Thomas Thompson Jr, LB Quewon Hillard, LB Mehki Dunlap, RB Christian Rutledge
Adrian Jones’ replacement in Raleigh is Virginia State’s OC Lamar Manigo. That puts the former Bowie State players turned current HC in the CIAA at three for anyone who is counting. There’s a lot to like with the coaching staff that includes two former standout Shaw players (Daniel Bender, Coleman Blackston) along with veteran Lawrence Kershaw coaching OL. Despite the talent returning in the secondary, Shaw repeatedly struggled in the secondary, with opponents registering over 200 yards of passing in at least 8 games. The offensive production from last year is mostly gone due to exhausted eligibility. That puts more pressure to find a signal caller who can stick between Derek Dunn (Charleston), Alexander Marsh (freshman) and returning quarterbacks Patrick Blake and Justin Wheeler. Adding WR Bates (27 rec., 320 yards at Shorter in 2024) and retaining RB Rutledge does give the bears some offensive bite.
Week 0 vs Albany State: HC Manigo preaches balance, and the opponent certainly has it. Isaiah Knowles is a top passer in the country, and Tiant Wyche made an impact running the ball for the Golden Rams. Can Shaw pull off an upset two years in a row? It really depends on keeping the Albany offense off the field if you ask me. Advantage: Albany State with the revenge factor.
The Middle
7: Bowie State
Key Losses: QB Jordan Morse (transferred), WR Kyle Parker, DL Shawan Lewis (SUNY-Albany, OL Darrell Jones (UT-San Antonio), LB Sadiq Salawu, DB Hasan Mosley, OL Savion Moore (Virginia Union)
Key Transfers In: QB Malakai Anthony (Merrimack), DB Moses Sarweh (Eastern Kentucky)
Key Returners: QB Kevin Taylor, WR Antwain Banks, WR Joseph Towler, RB Micah Robinson, LB Kamari Loving, DB LaTreil Wimberly, DB Samuel Graham, DL Jamal Jones, DB Jordan Williams
Its easy to scoff at Bowie’s 4-6 record from last year, considering that they flirted with .500 and averaged 29 points a game. Unfortunately, they caught a right hoof to the mat from Fayetteville State late in the game in what was their closest loss. The Bulldogs should be trending up in 2025, especially if you’re looking at the sample size of the last four games of 2024 where they averaged over 400 yards of offense. The hope is that the offense stabilized after a merry-go-round at QB last season. BSU also sports 15 seniors and 14 juniors, which should help with picking up where they left off with unfinished business. How can BSU get better from last year? Well, they just need to be more efficient. They had the highest time of possession of any team in the conference, but were below average in red zone attempts (32).
Week 0: Idle. Their first game is next week.
6: Livingstone
Key Losses: LB Salehe Koonooka-Williams, WR Angelo Carillo, WR Bryce Robinson (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), WR Davontay Deloatch (Winston-Salem), DB Chancellor Bryant (West Georgia), OL Edyson Edmond (FCS Mississippi Valley State), P Nathan Roubik – (Virginia State)
Key Transfers In: QB Alfredo Sotelo (Campbell), QB Tristan McClary (Tarleton State), WR Tavion Jackson (Walsh), DB Maliq Staten (Fayetteville State), DB JJ Gonzalez (American International), WR Tate Abel (Tarleton State),
Key Returners: DL Kobe Pringle, K Jason Zapata, DL Davion Watkins, DL David Jones, LB Jayden Reeder
The Blue Bears were the epitome of perseverance last year. Livingstone notched a winning record despite five quarterbacks notching at least 10 pass attempts last year. Moreover, they won five games by less than a touchdown, which makes sense given that they were on average outscored by two points a game. Yes, read that again. The Blue Bears are used to significant turnover, and this year is no exception. The biggest hit is wide receiver, where numerous options last year made it a little easier on whomever was passing the ball that week. DL should be a continued strength for Livingstone. DL Watkins garnered the second most sacks in the conference (6.5 sacks). Adding DB Gonzalez (39 tackles, 3 Fumble Recoveries in 2024) should pay dividends to shore up the secondary.
Week 0 at Charleston (8/28) – Charleston doesn’t bring back RB Chavon Wright, a Harlon Hill Candidate. Unfortunately, they do bring back the potent combo of QB Ean Hamric and WR Yves Bosman. Livingstone really has to figure out how to either slow them down or get their offense to put up a lot of points. I just don’t see it happening on the road at this point in the season with such an unknown offense. Advantage: Charleston
5: Fayetteville State
Key Losses: RB Julian Milligan (South Carolina State), DB Solo Barns (UTEP), DB Theniias Moss (Johnson C. Smith), DB Kolby Merritt, DE Shi Gaskin, WR David Baros, DL Cameron Cunningham (Youngstown State), TE Kameron King, LB Elijah Casey (Long Island)
Key Transfers In: OL Malik Thompson (Virginia State)
Key Returners: QB Demari Daniels, QB Joe Owens, QB/RB Caden Davis, DB Theniias Moss, WR Emanuel Ortega-Garcia, LB Jamari Slade, DL Shawn Robinson, K John Hernandez-Vargas, DL Tajon Roach
The dean of CIAA coaches, Richard Hayes, cobbles another squad hoping for a high degree of success for FSU. Also returning is OC Kevin Magourik, who breaks the streak of rotating OCs over the last 7 seasons. Magourik got a lot out of the offense with unique formations and rotating a lot of skill players to keep things fresh. QB Owens is the leader on offense, but they have some depth with Daniels if something happens. The DL should be just as good as last year with Robinson anchoring the line. Every year its someone else who creates a two man wrecking crew of opposing offenses on that team. There are some holes to fill in the secondary as well, as the transfer portal tooketh away.
Week 0 at Benedict (8/30): This CIAA-SIAC matchup is about as even as you can get for two middle of the road teams. Benedict’s offensive success is concentrated in Tre Simmons, who played QB last year but is listed as a WR on the roster. Simmons was their leading passer and rusher. Opponents were able to pass for an average of 236 yards a game at a whopping 9.6 yards per attempt. That position matches well with FSU’s passing prowess (226 yards, 7 yards per attempt). Neither team runs the ball well, so this game is not likely to be a fast game. I suspect this game will be close, which bodes well for the Cardiac Broncos to unleash K Hernandez-Vargas to close out the game. The Broncos are 9-4 over the last 2 seasons in games when the final margin is less than 7 points. Advantage: Fayetteville State
The Contenders
4: Virginia State
Key Losses (Graduation): QB Romelo Williams, OL Harlen St. Louis, Rover Kymon Pope, LB Carl Poole, WR Tylique Ray, LB K’Vaughan Pope, LB Chantz Baylor, RB Jimmyll Williams (Elon), DT Ahmad Poole – (North Carolina A&T), OL Gabriel Navarro (FCS North Carolina A&T)
Key Transfers In: P Nathan Roubik (Livingstone),
Key Returners: OL Bruno Onwuazor, WR Malik Hunter, WR Kevin Gayles, WR Jalen Spratt, LB KJ McNeil, Rover Marquis Edmond, DE Mustapha Coly, DE Kofi Acheampong, DE Jayshaun Alston) LB Mehkhi Johnson
One look at the VSU roster and its immediately clear that the defensive front four is going to be tremendous with a number of returners. Add in OL Onwuazor, and you have at least imposing line play on both sides of the ball. There are questions beyond that, as in what does the running game look like? What about who passes the ball? Those items are unproven right now. WRs Hunter, Gayles, and Spratt are all capable of having individual breakout games. Adding Roubik (36.6 yards per punt) stabilizes one part of special teams.
Week 0 at Barton (8/28): Quick, name someone on Barton’s team who has defeated VSU before. HC Chip Hester knows a guy - that guy he would consult is none other than his Associate HC and DC Marcus Hillard. The game was the 2023 VSU/ECSU contest that pretty much knocked VSU out of playoff contention.
The Bulldogs return QB Trevor Nored, though he had a negative TD/INT ratio a year ago. The leading rusher, RB Jackson Parrish also back. Big questions for Barton is whether they have shored up a defense that would give Swiss cheese envy, as it gave up over 5 yards a carry on average. That kind of production will most certainly not work against a VSU offense that I expect will want to establish a good rushing attack under new OC Rahman Lee. For VSU, can it force Barton into being one dimensional using that aforementioned defensive front? A chess match for sure. Advantage: VSU
3: Winston-Salem State
Key Losses: DB Jaylen Ferbee-Gullatte (Wagner), DL Trevor Willard (North Greenville), RB Asa Barnes, WR Gabriel Linen, WR Myles Dillon, DB Justin Fleming, DB Dante Bowlding, LB Noble Joyner, DL Camar Kyle, LB Jasahn Rankin, DB Merari Jewsome, P Devin Versteegen
Key Transfers In: LB Khalil Stimpson (Catawba), TE Jynez Davis (Limestone), RB JaQuan Kelly (UNC-Pembroke), ATH Kah'lil Eason (New Haven), DB Zy Brown (Catawba), QB Isaiah Bess (West Virginia State), WR Davontay Deloatch (Livingstone), DB Kristian Lyons (Shaw),
Key Returners: QB Daylin Lee, WR Kaleb Washington, WR Jayden Grimes, WR Christian McDonald, DL Jaylyn Norris, LB Jupe Alston, LB Kairon Martin, DB Terrell Chance, K Gilberto Lorenzana
WSSU looks to extend last year’s breakout season into a multiyear streak. To do that, it has to replace significant portions of its defense, as the top seven tacklers graduated, including game breaking DB Fleming. The Rams were a net beneficiary of the transfer portal with LB Stimpson (63 tackles, 6.5 TFLs), DB Lyons (20 tackles, 1 forced fumble) and DB Brown (2022 All-South Atlantic) coming on board. On offense, adding QB Bess (111/192, 1695 yards, 14 TDs, 6 INT), last year’s starter at WV State adds depth. RB Trevon Hester, who muscled his way to RB1, is out for the year, but a combination of RB Kelly (430 rushing yards, 5 TDs), Timothy Ruff, Noah Marshall, and Jymikaah Wells (193 yards, 3 TDs at Livingstone) should be potent combination. The Rams also netted some big bodies on the offensive line to add depth. There are a few question I have for WSSU, including:
If so, then the Rams could be set up for mid-November destination. Without it, it could be a long offseason with some difficult choices.
Week 0 vs Tuskegee (8/31 in Montgomery, AL): Tuskegee was a bit of a hodgepodge last year, and its record reflected that. They resembled an old-school, run first CIAA team, and just couldn’t sustain a passing attack to get them to the next level. Both RBs Johnny Morris and Arnaud Sellers are back to pace the Golden Tigers. QB Raquan Beal is also back, though his top target in WR Reggie Brigman has moved on (more on that in a bit). Offenses were able to exploit various holes in the Golden Tiger defense, particularly in the air. Giving up a lot of yards in the air could be a boon for WSSU QB Daylin Lee. Advantage: WSSU
2: Johnson C. Smith
Key Losses (Graduation): LB Benari Black, LB Jack Smith, QB Darius Ocean (transferred), WR Tyrek Williams (Albany State), DB Shamar Baker (Lenoir-Rhyne)
Key Transfers In: WR Reggie Brigman (Tuskegee), DB Cam Williams (Miles), QB Kelvin Durham (Fort Valley State), DE Quentin Williams (Hutchinson CC), DB Rontay Dunbar (Lincoln), OL Brendan Arrington (Tuskegee)
Key Returners: RB Kamarro Edmonds, RB/LB Quavaris Crouch, WR Brevin Caldwell, WR Biggie Proctor, DB Latrae Bass, DB TJ Taybron
The question that hangs over JCSU from a year ago is whether they are the 8 win team that was easily streaking to a top seed in the playoffs or the 2 loss team that crashed out of the conference championship game in spectacular fashion. QB Ocean has moved on, replaced with a winner in Kelvin Durham. The RB position looks strong with Edmonds and Avante George returning, and Mr. Reliable WR Caldwell easily pairs with Brigman and Proctor to create a formidable trio. Proctor’s season prematurely ended last year because of injury, but has been a very productive college WR. Brigman had over 500 receiving yards at Tuskegee a year ago. Questions do exist on a defense that was exceptional at run defense (only 80 yards surrendered/game). Notably, LBs Black (who had over 100 tackles last year) and Smith are gone, and DB Baker is another huge loss. Expect the pass defense to remain stout.
Week 0 vs Morehouse (8/30 at Cambridge, MA): The Maroon Tigers’ defense was marooned on an island somewhere. Morehouse’s opponents gashed the defense for nearly 6 yards a play, allowing teams some very favorable 3rd down opportunities. Additionally, the running game was very weak – like it was 1 yard per carry because it rounds up to 1 yard. JCSU should be able to expose some weaknesses on their way to a victory. Advantage: JCSU
1: #21 Virginia Union
Key Losses (Graduation): RB Jada Byers, DL Isaac Anderson, DB William Davis (West Virginia), DB Raylyn Manley (Austin Peay), WR Reginald Vick (Wake Forest), DB Jalen Mayo (Stephen F. Austin), OL Justin Royes (Central Florida), LB Shamar Graham (Towson), DL Mike Jones (Kennesaw State), OL Dillon Porter (Wofford)
Key Returners: QB Mark Wright, QB RJ Rosales, RB Curtis Allen, S Donald Gatling, WR Larry Hackey, K/P Brady Myers, OL Adrian Crespin
Key Transfers In: S Daveion Crawford (Texas Christian), RB Traveon Tensley (Shaw), WR/KR Zyaire Tart (Lincoln PA), WR Tyler Thompson (Hampton), LB Christian Aiken (Pace)
VUU had a mass exodus of talent because of transfers to the FCS and BCS schools, but arguably the biggest loss was RB Byers, who had become a household name after 4 years of producing spectacular games. Nonetheless, the backfield will continue to be a strength with Allen returning to presumably take the lead in the rushing game, likely complimented by All-Conference RB Tensley and Bluefield State transfer Ramon Brown. VUU has depth at QB (Rosales and Wright) along with numerous upperclassmen on the offensive line.
It is hard to talk about this year’s VUU team without talking about the transfer portal. VUU also lost a big receiving target in RJ Vick, who transferred to Wake Forest. The transfer portal hit the defense particularly hard, losing DBs William Davis, Jalen Mayo, and Raylyn Manley, DL Mike Jones, and LB Shamar Graham. The coaching staff went to the very same transfer portal and found some potential gems, including LB Aiken, who was 10th in the Northeast-10 in tackles. Adding Tart gives VUU a threat in the return game who also has experience at WR.
Ultimately, part of how far VUU will go comes down to how quickly this year’s Panthers team will gel, and whether the newer look defense can get teams off the field.
Week 0 vs Miles (Sunday, 8/31): The Golden Bears, the defending SIAC champions, were not very offensively proficient against stout competition, but they thrived in ugly games a year ago. Former HC Sam Shade heads to the FCS, the transfer portal opens up, and one has to wonder how much will return. VUU is more of a known quantity than Miles at this point and has plenty of offensive options to keep Miles off balance. Advantage: VUU