---
"title": "Virginia Union takes down Johnson C. Smith; reclaims CIAA title"
"description": "A year after having its three-peat bid dashed by Johnson C. Smith, Virginia Union got its revenge. The Panthers endure a defensive struggle to come away with a 16-15 win over the defending conference champions. As a result, Virginia Union claims its third CIAA championship in four years and the 10th in school history. Championship […]"
"date": "2026-11-15"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "Jarrett Hoffman"
"url": "https://hbcusports.com/2026/11/15/virginia-union-takes-down-johnson-c-smith-reclaims-ciaa-title/"
"categories":
  - "News"
---

# Virginia Union takes down Johnson C. Smith; reclaims CIAA title

A year after having its three-peat bid dashed by Johnson C. Smith, Virginia Union got its revenge.

The Panthers endure a defensive struggle to come away with a 16-15 win over the defending conference champions.

As a result, Virginia Union claims its third CIAA championship in four years and the 10th in school history.

Championship MVP Ramon Brown finished with 150 rushing yards on 21 attempts, including the game-clinching score.

This is Brown’s third straight 100-yard rushing game, with this matching his season-high yardage.

Defensive MVP Ahmad Ross lit up the stat sheet with nine tackles and a pass breakup.

CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Fabian Duncan led the Golden Bulls with 232 rushing yards and a touchdown.

# **Johnson C. Smith Jumps in Front**

A promising first drive ended in disaster for Johnson C. Smith, fumbling inside the red zone.

However, their next offensive possession was aided by a short punt that put them in positive field position.

They took advantage of the opportunity by first getting the ball with goal-to-go after a 44-yard completion from Damien Mazil to Reginald Daniel.

Three plays later, the Golden Bulls put the first points on the board on a three-yard QB keeper.

Despite receiving great field position on two of its next three possessions, the Virginia Union offense was stuffed by the JCSU defense.

That being said, each drive ended with field goals to take a 9-7 lead to begin the second quarter.

Before the end of the half, Johnson C. Smith snagged an interception, leading to a one-yard touchdown by Duncan to take a 14-9 lead.

# **Virginia Union endures a defensive battle**

The third quarter devolved into a defensive battle, with four of the next six possessions ending in punts.

This included a pair of missed field goals from each team, with the latter being the most consequential.

Duncan ended the third quarter with a 32-yard run, putting the Golden Bulls outside the red zone.

Ultimately, this led to a stalled drive that ended in a 36-yard field goal attempt that shanked to the right.

Virginia Union capitalized on the opportunity three plays later, scoring on a 69-yard run by Brown to take a 15-14 lead.

Johnson C. Smith’s next possession ended in a turnover on downs as Fabian Duncan was stuffed on a 4th-and-1 on Union’s side of the field.

The Golden Bulls had one more shot, but the Panthers’ defense came through with an interception from Derrick Burroughs to seal the win.

# **Postseason Bound**

Virginia Union will now advance to the Division II Playoffs for the fifth straight year. This is the longest streak for an HBCU since Albany State made it from 2004 to 2011.

The Panthers entered the week as the fourth-ranked team in Super Region I. As a result, VUU is in line to host a first-round matchup for the second straight year.

On the other hand, Johnson C. Smith will have to wait to see if its name is called as part of the playoff field. Ranked fifth in the latest regional rankings, the Golden Bulls are one of two teams to lose this weekend.

Should they be selected, this would be the Golden Bulls’ second straight DII playoff appearance.