JCSU & VIRGINIA UNION FALL IN THE NCAA D-II PLAYOFFS**

In a season where HBCU football roared louder than it had in years, two proud programs — Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls and Virginia Union Panthers — stepped onto the national stage with all eyes watching. Conference titles were earned, history was rewritten, and belief ran high that this year, HBCUs were ready to shock Division II.

But on playoff weekend… dreams collided with reality.

JOHNSON C. SMITH — A HISTORY-MAKING SEASON MEETS A BRUTAL END

Just two weeks earlier, Johnson C. Smith was the miracle story of HBCU football. A team that hadn’t raised a conference trophy in more than 50 years finally clawed its way back to glory. The Golden Bulls were riding energy, confidence, and destiny.

But the NCAA Tourna

ment doesn’t care about destiny.

Against Frostburg State, JCSU struggled to find rhythm. Frostburg’s defense came flying downhill — collapsing pockets, disrupting throws, and forcing mistakes. Every spark JCSU created was quickly stomped out.

The Golden Bulls fought. They battled. They refused to fold.
But Frostburg controlled the day.

Final: Frostburg State 21, Johnson C. Smith 7.

A season of magic ended with a cold playoff reality. But the rise of JCSU has changed the CIAA and reshaped expectations for years to come.

VIRGINIA UNION  — A DYNASTY STOPPED AT THE DOOR

Virginia Union came into the postseason with pedigree: multiple conference titles, elite talent, and the grit of a seasoned program. The Panthers showed flashes of that dominance against California (PA).

They moved the ball. They made plays. They delivered big hits.
But the playoffs come down to the final possessions.

In the fourth quarter, California (PA) mounted the drive that changed everything. A handful of missed tackles and a perfectly timed score pushed the Vulcans ahead. Virginia Union’s last attempt to respond fell inches short.

Final: California (PA) 27, Virginia Union 24.

A three-point defeat. A three-month grind ended in three minutes of heartbreak.

THE BIGGER PICTURE — A NEW HBCU ERA IS FORMING

These losses weren’t signs of weakness — they were signs of growth.

For the first time in years, multiple HBCU programs entered the NCAA D-II national bracket with real expectations. Programs are recruiting better, investing more, and proving they belong on the national stage.

• JCSU announced its return to national relevance.

• VUU showed it can stand toe-to-toe with national powers.

• And HBCU football overall sent a message:
  We’re not just showing up. We’re coming to win.

This year came with heartbreak, yes — but also momentum.

And momentum is what sparks eras.

SEE THE FULL NCAA D-II PLAYOFF BRACKET

Click here to view the complete 2025 NCAA Division II Football Championship bracket:
https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/football/d2/2025