Fayetteville State Women’s Basketball Favored to Win CIAA Title Once Again

Fayetteville State University's women's basketball team is no stranger to success, and if preseason expectations are met, the team will have it once again in 2026.

The Broncos sit atop the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association preseason rankings as the 2025-26 season draws near. A championship this year would mark the first three-straight title run in the conference since 2013.

Last year's champions posted 21 wins against eight losses, with a strong 13-3 mark in CIAA games. They clinched back-to-back titles by beating Virginia State in a hard-fought championship game.

Head coach Tyreece Brown stays grounded despite past wins. "We are entering this season as if we haven't accomplished anything," Brown stated at CIAA Media Day, per HBCU Sports.

Three standout players made the All-CIAA preseason picks. Talia Trotter leads the group, with KaNyah O'Neal and Nyah Wilkins joining her on the list.

Brown's impact shows in the stats. His stint as coach since 2023 has brought an amazing 30 wins with just 4 losses against CIAA teams. Quick passes and smart shots mark their style of play.

Shaw University stands as the last team to win three titles in a row. They dominated from 2011-2013, then grabbed one more crown in 2014.

The rankings put Virginia State just behind FSU. Bowie State holds third place, while Virginia Union and Claflin round out the top spots.

Their shot at a national title ended too soon last year. Gannon University knocked them out 60-50 in the first round of NCAA Division II play, crushing their bigger dreams.

Winston-Salem State, Shaw, and Lincoln (PA) fill spots seven through nine in the rankings. At the bottom sit Elizabeth City State, Johnson C. Smith, and Bluefield State.

Games start next month. The real test comes in January 2026 when CIAA teams face off.