The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has released its 2024 football preseason conference poll, with Virginia State University claiming the top spot. This marks a significant improvement for the Trojans, who were picked to finish fifth last season but landed in third place behind Virginia Union and Fayetteville State.

  

VUU’s football team has been selected to finish second in the CIAA for the 2024 season, as announced at the 2024 CIAA Football Media Day on Wednesday, July 17, in Salem, Va.

  

VUU Coach Alvin Parker expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I want to thank God for all the accolades and putting us in the position that we are. But I’m a little more happy as to where we’re going.” Parker emphasized the team’s focus on “retention, recruiting and repeating” following last season’s success.

The Panthers boasted the conference’s top defense last year, with Coach Edward Pointer earning Assistant Coach of the Year honors. Notably, the team did not concede a single rushing touchdown during the regular season. Coach Parker highlighted that nine starters from that formidable defense will be returning for the 2024 campaign.

The preseason rankings for the top six teams are:

1. Virginia State

2. Virginia Union

3. Fayetteville State

4. Johnson C. Smith

5. Bowie State

6. Winston-Salem State

Virginia State’s challenging schedule includes matchups against all five teams ranked directly below them, setting the stage for an exciting season.

Due to the reduction in schools sponsoring football to 11, the CIAA has eliminated its Northern and Southern divisions. The two teams with the best overall conference records will now face off in the CIAA Championship Game, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16, in Salem.

Individual players also have received recognition. Virginia State’s Bruno Onwuazor was named to the preseason All-CIAA team, building on his Second-Team All-CIAA honors from last season.

Meanwhile, Virginia Union saw eight players receive Preseason All-CIAA honors, including Kalen Carver (tight end), Jamaree Moyer and Mathias Nielsen (offensive line), Jada Byers (running back), Brady Myers (place kicker), Isaac Anderson (defensive line), Shamar Graham (linebacker), and Larry Hackey (punt returner).

With Virginia State aiming to live up to its top ranking and Virginia Union looking to build on last year’s strong defensive performance, the 2024 CIAA football season promises to be highly competitive and exciting for fans.