Defending CIAA Football Champions picked second in Order of Finish; Six individuals named to Preseason Team

DURHAM, N.C. (July 15, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) officially kicked off the 2026 football season Wednesday during CIAA Football Media Day, announcing the 2026 Football Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason All-CIAA Team. Virginia Union University was selected as the preseason favorite in the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association (SIDA) Predicted Order of Finish, followed by defending CIAA Football Champion Johnson C. Smith University, Fayetteville State University and Virginia State University. The announcement comes after a historic 2025 season that saw Johnson C. Smith capture its first CIAA Football Championship since 1969. The Golden Bulls defeated…