By james art Johnson C. Smith moved one step closer to achieving its first undefeated season by beating Winston-Salem State on the road for the first time since 1975.
While the Golden Bulls have a chance to clinch a spot in the CIAA Championship this weekend with a win, Virginia Union and Virginia State head into a showdown for a spot in Salem in the final game of the regular season.
Meanwhile, in the SIAC, Miles has a chance to separate itself from the three teams tied for second in the conference with a win and a Tuskegee loss.
Here is this week’s Ultimate HBCU Sports Division II Football Poll.
| Rank | A team | Previous rank | 2024 record |
| 1 | Johnson K. Smith | 1 | 8-0 |
| 2 | Virginia Union | 2 | 6-2 |
| 3 | Miles | 3 | 6-2 |
| 4 | State of Virginia | 8 | 5-3 |
| 5 | Albany State | 9 | 5-3 |
| 6 | Clark Atlanta | 6 | 5-2-1 |
| 7 | Fort Valley State | 10 | 5-3 |
| 8 | Tuskegees | NR | 5-3 |
| 9 | Winston-Salem State | 4 | 6-3 |
| 10 | Livingston | 7 | 5-3 |