Virginia Union will go for the three-peat in the CIAA, facing a Johnson C. Smith team making its first championship game appearance since 1972.
Meanwhile, Albany State will host this year’s SIAC championship game against Benedict, a matchup of teams that hold three of the last four conference titles.
While these teams will fight for an automatic bid in the Division II playoffs, Kentucky State has a chance for an at-large bid as part of a deal between the SIAC and Conference Carolinas.
The Thorobreds will play in a bonus matchup against Shorter University, while Allen will play Erskine College.
Ranked sixth in the NCAA’s most recent Regional Rankings, a win could ensure Kentucky State’s place in the Division II playoffs, something they have never done.
Here is the Ultimate HBCU Sports Division II Football Poll for Week 11.
| Rank | Team | Week 11 Result | 2025 record |
| 1 | Albany State | 42-3 W vs. Fort Valley State | 9-1 |
| 2 | Virginia Union | 14-3 W vs. Virginia State | 9-1 |
| 3 | Johnson C. Smith | 26-21 W vs. Livingstone | 9-1 |
| 4 | Benedict | 16-13 W vs. Savannah State | 9-1 |
| 5 | Kentucky State | 55-0 W vs. Lane | 8-2 |
| 6 | Fayetteville State | 31-21 W vs. Winston-Salem State | 6-4 |
| 7 | Virginia State | 3-14 L vs. Virginia Union | 6-4 |
| 8 | Allen | 53-30 W vs. Edward Waters | 5-5 |
| 9 | Livingstone | 21-26 L vs. Johnson C. Smith | 5-5 |
| 10 | Edward Waters | 30-53 L vs. Allen | 5-5 |
