Virginia Union University’s winding road back to the football playoffs will start with a trip to Frankfort, Ky.

On Aug. 31, Coach Alvin Parker’s 2023 CIAA champions will travel some 515 miles to Kentucky’s capital to face the Kentucky State Thorobreds.

High on momentum, VUU is coming off a 10-2 season in which it won the CIAA title, defeating Fayetteville State, and advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament, losing to Kutztown University, 38-14.

Along the way, the Panthers outscored their opposition, 425-166. It was their first CIAA crown since 2001.

VUU features one of the more dynamic players in all of college football in All-American running back Jada Byers. The New Jersey native has 4,016 yards and 47 rushing touchdowns through three seasons, despite missing two games last season with an injury.

“We are excited and eager to start the 2024 season,” Coach Parker said. “Coming off a championship campaign, we definitely have higher expectations.”

That shows in VUU’s official schedule.

Not only are the dates listed for 10 regular season games, but also for the CIAA championship Nov. 16 in Salem, and for a possible five NCAA playoff games.

VUU is a likely favorite at Kentucky State, which is coming off a 3-7 season in the Division II SIAC.

Following the long bus trip to the Bluegrass State, VUU will stay on the road for games at Hampton on Sept. 7 and Johnson C. Smith on Sept. 21.

Hampton, of the NCAA/FCS Coastal Athletic Association, was 5-6 a year ago.

The home opener at Hovey Field will be Sept. 28 against CIAA rival Shaw at 1 p.m. in the Willard Bailey Classic.

Homecoming will be Nov. 2 against Bluefield State, the last of just four home games.