By james art The recent release of the NCAA Division II Super Region Two rankings provided an exciting time for HBCU football, with three CIAA programs represented as well as one from the SIAC. These initial rankings, listed alphabetically, highlight Johnson C. Smith, Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State among the top teams in the region, showcasing the strength and competitiveness of HBCU football this season.
Johnson C. Smith holds a perfect 8-0 record, reflecting its CIAA dominance and positioning it well for a playoff spot. Virginia Union, with a 6-1 record, continues to build on its recent success and has emerged as a top contender in the region. Winston-Salem State, at 6-2, rounds out the HBCU roster, proving they are a team to watch in the playoff race. This inclusion of three HBCU programs signifies a strong presence and growing respect for CIAA football in Division II.
A fourth HBCU, Miles College, is the only SIAC team on the initial list. That’s 6-1 on the season.
The Division II playoff selection process includes regional rankings to ensure representation from different parts of the country. The top teams from each of the four super regions are selected to compete, with a committee evaluating factors such as win-loss record, strength of schedule and head-to-head competition. The final standings, not alphabetical order, will determine which teams secure a spot in the playoff bracket, making every remaining game crucial for these HBCUs.
For these HBCU programs, advancing to the NCAA playoffs is a prestigious opportunity to compete nationally and raise the profile of HBCU football. As the season progresses, all three CIAA teams will look to solidify their positions in the rankings, looking to secure their playoff berths and proudly represent HBCU football on the national stage.