In the first Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic to feature each of the Division II conference’s reigning champions, the CIAA came out on top as Virginia Union toppled Miles in a 45-3 win.
This marks the third straight year the CIAA has beaten the SIAC in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic, improving their record to 3-1 since the game transitioned to a CIAA vs SIAC showcase.
In their last three games against SIAC opponents, the Panthers have won by an average of 45.3 points, including a 69-7 win over Kentucky State last year.
Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen had a star-making performance, compiling 185 rushing yards on 17 attempts and scoring two touchdowns.
Allen set a new single-game record for rushing yards in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic previously set by Virginia State running back Jimmyll Williams in last year’s contest against Benedict (150 yards).
Quarterback RJ Rosales put forth a strong two-way display, throwing 120 yards on 60% completions and rushing for 54 yards on eight attempts, scoring two total touchdowns.
Virginia Union University closes out the Black College Football Hall of Fame Clash at the Classic with a 45–3 win over Miles College pic.twitter.com/FKMn60Fs21
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) September 1, 2025
After a slow start for both teams on offense, the Panthers began to take control of the game in the second quarter, scoring touchdowns on six of their last seven offensive drives.
Virginia Union’s defense created five Miles turnovers, including three fumble recoveries, converting two of them into touchdowns.
Miles struggled to convert once it advanced the ball past midfield, committing three turnovers in plus territory and coming away empty-handed on a 37-yard field goal attempt on their opening drive in one of only two true scoring opportunities.
This game begins Virginia Union’s quest to three-peat as CIAA champions, something they previously accomplished from 1981-1983 under Black College Football Hall of Fame coach Willard Bailey.
The Panthers will return to the football field in two weeks, when they will clash with SIAC opponent when they play Edward Waters in the HBCU Unity Classic.
Before that, however, Miles College will have its chance to get in the win column next week when it plays its conference opener against Edward Waters.
