CIAA 2026 Football Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason All-CIAA Team

[gsutiger1993]

2026 CIAA Football Predicted Order of Finish

1. Virginia Union University
2. Johnson C. Smith University
3. Fayetteville State University
4. Virginia State University
5. Winston-Salem State University
6. Livingstone College
7. Elizabeth City State University
8. Bowie State University
9. Bluefield State University
10. Shaw University
11. Lincoln University (Pa.)

2026 Preseason All-CIAA Team

*An asterisk denotes a returning 2025 All-CIAA First Team selection.

Quarterback
Rahsaan Matthews Jr., Virginia State University

Running Backs
Micah Robinson, Bowie State University
Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith University*

Wide Receivers
Brandon Wiley, Bluefield State University*
Brian Lane, Johnson C. Smith University*
Marcus Fleming, Fayetteville State University

Tight End
Joe Griffin, Elizabeth City State University

Offensive Linemen
Jamari Mason, Johnson C. Smith University*
Robert Early, Johnson C. Smith University
Malachi Jones, Fayetteville State University
Toriono Combs, Elizabeth City State University*
Marcus Andrews, Johnson C. Smith University

Defensive Line
Dalan Johnson, Bowie State University
Joseph Woodard, Fayetteville State University
Christopher Gordon, Fayetteville State University
Sir'Sean Ingram, Elizabeth City State University
Deshawn Willoughby, Bowie State University

Linebackers
Jaevon Branch, Elizabeth City State University
Vincent Hill, Johnson C. Smith University*
Jatavien Taylor, Fayetteville State University

Defensive Backs
Amari Best, Fayetteville State University

Placekicker
Jason Zapata, Livingstone College

Punter
Abdoulazim Bayor, Fayetteville State University

Kick Return Specialist
Shamar Sutton, Elizabeth City State University

Punt Return Specialist
Zyaire Tart, Virginia Union University*

[LegalRam]

I have no issues with these rankings. 1 and 2 could possibly be flipped, but they are clearly the top two teams coming into the season. 3 and below is a mystery with a lot of room for movement.

[LT93bunny]

2026 CIAA Football Predicted Order of Finish/ All Conference Selections

1. Virginia Union University / 1
2. Johnson C. Smith University / 6
3. Fayetteville State University / 7
4. Virginia State University / 1
5. Winston-Salem State University / 0
6. Livingstone College / 1
7. Elizabeth City State University / 5
8. Bowie State University / 3
9. Bluefield State University / 1
10. Shaw University / 0
11. Lincoln University (Pa.) / 0

Looks like FSU, JCSU, ECSU and BOWIE will have the top teams per conference selections. Maybe there was a mistake in voting. SMH

[callen2525]

As the season progresses, we will see how injuries and other unplanned events can wreak havoc on the teams. I predict that a team will emerge that will raise eyebrows!!! Come on August!!!