The Unstoppable March: 7 Must-See Games From The Virginia Union Panthers 2024 Football Schedule
The Virginia Union University (VUU) Panthers football program has cemented its status as a Division II powerhouse and a dominant force in the CIAA. After achieving their first-ever NCAA Division II playoff victory and securing a second consecutive CIAA Championship, the 2024 season was highly anticipated, offering a challenging slate of games that tested their championship mettle from the start. This article, updated for the current date of December 19, 2025, provides a deep dive into the 2024 schedule, highlighting the key non-conference clashes, the thrilling CIAA title defense, and the historic moments that defined the Panthers' incredible run.
The 2024 season was more than just a schedule of games; it was a journey to defend the CIAA crown and build on their historic 10-4 overall record from the previous year. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dr. Alvin Parker, the Panthers navigated a demanding calendar, featuring matchups against regional rivals and a crucial season-ending rivalry game that often determines the CIAA Northern Division title. Fans witnessed record-breaking performances and the continued development of a program that has become a perennial contender in HBCU football.
Virginia Union Panthers 2024 Football Season Profile
The VUU Panthers entered the 2024 season as the team to beat in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), carrying the momentum of back-to-back conference championships. Their success has placed them firmly on the national radar in the NCAA Division II landscape, with a program built on stout defense and a dynamic offensive attack that has produced star players.
- University: Virginia Union University (VUU)
- Location: Richmond, Virginia
- Nickname: Panthers
- Conference: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
- Head Coach: Dr. Alvin Parker (VUU Alumnus)
- Recent Achievements: Two-time Defending CIAA Champions (2023, 2024), First-ever NCAA DII Playoff Win (2024), 10-4 Overall Record (2024 Season)
- Key Player (Influence): Jada Byers (Former Running Back, 2024 Deacon Jones HBCU Player of the Year)
- Key Rivalry: Virginia State University Trojans (The Battle of I-95)
- Home Stadium: Hovey Field
The Full 2024 Virginia Union Football Schedule & Results
The 2024 campaign featured a total of 10 regular-season games, including four crucial home contests at Hovey Field in Richmond, Virginia. The schedule was strategically designed to prepare the team for the intensity of CIAA play, with non-conference games against strong regional opponents.
Below is the complete 2024 Virginia Union Panthers Football Schedule, including dates, opponents, and the final results that led to their historic season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31 (Sat) | at Kentucky State University | 3:00 p.m. | Frankfort, KY | W 34-14 |
| Sep 7 (Sat) | at Hampton University | 6:00 p.m. | Hampton, VA | L 17-27 |
| Sep 21 (Sat) | at Johnson C. Smith University* | 6:00 p.m. | Charlotte, NC | W 31-10 |
| Sep 28 (Sat) | Shaw University* | 1:00 p.m. | Richmond, VA (Home) | W 45-13 |
| Oct 5 (Sat) | Winston-Salem State University* | 1:00 p.m. | Richmond, VA (Home) | W 38-7 |
| Oct 12 (Sat) | Elizabeth City State University* | 1:00 p.m. | Richmond, VA (Home) | W 49-6 |
| Oct 19 (Sat) | at Lincoln University (PA)* | 1:00 p.m. | Lincoln University, PA | W 42-14 |
| Oct 26 (Sat) | at Bowie State University* | 1:00 p.m. | Bowie, MD | W 24-17 |
| Nov 2 (Sat) | Bluefield State University* (Homecoming) | 1:00 p.m. | Richmond, VA (Home) | W 91-0 |
| Nov 9 (Sat) | at Virginia State University* | 1:00 p.m. | Petersburg, VA | W 14-3 |
*Denotes CIAA Conference Game.
Key Takeaways: The Defining Moments of the 2024 Season
The 2024 schedule was packed with high-stakes games and unforgettable performances. Several matchups stood out, not just for their final scores but for the implications they had on the Panthers' championship aspirations and national ranking.
1. The Historic Homecoming Win: VUU vs. Bluefield State (Nov 2)
The 2024 Homecoming game against Bluefield State University was a performance for the ages. The Panthers delivered a stunning 91-0 victory, tying a 108-year-old school record for the largest margin of victory in program history. The 91 points scored demonstrated the overwhelming firepower of the VUU offense and provided a spectacular celebration for the alumni and students in attendance. This dominant win over a CIAA opponent solidified their position as the top team in the conference.
2. The Battle of I-95: VUU vs. Virginia State (Nov 9)
The regular season concluded with the highly anticipated "Battle of I-95" rivalry game against the Virginia State University (VSU) Trojans. This contest is one of the oldest and most intense HBCU rivalries, dating back over 120 years. With the CIAA Northern Division title—and a spot in the CIAA Championship Game—on the line, the stakes could not have been higher. The Panthers secured a hard-fought 14-3 victory, clinching the division crown and advancing to the CIAA title game for the third consecutive year. Petersburg native Curtis Allen was a key player in the rivalry's latest chapter.
3. The Early-Season HBCU Clash: VUU at Hampton University (Sep 7)
A significant early-season test was the road game against the Hampton University Pirates. This matchup, while not a CIAA contest, was a crucial battle for bragging rights and a measure of the Panthers' strength against a strong FCS program. Although VUU ultimately fell to the Pirates, the experience against a higher-division opponent proved invaluable in preparing the team for the rigors of their CIAA schedule.
The Post-Season and the Road to the CIAA Championship
The successful regular season, fueled by a dominant 6-1 conference record, propelled Virginia Union into the CIAA Championship Game. The championship was held in Salem, Virginia, on November 16, where VUU successfully defended their title to become two-time CIAA champions.
The Panthers' impressive performance also earned them a berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Their 2024 playoff run was historic, highlighted by their first-ever Division II playoff victory, a thrilling 34-31 win over Wingate. This achievement marked a new era for the program, showcasing their ability to compete and win on the national stage. The team's overall season record ultimately stood at an impressive 10-4.
Looking Ahead: The Virginia Union 2025 Football Schedule Outlook
While the 2024 season is now history, the groundwork has been laid for the 2025 campaign. Early schedule information indicates that the Panthers will continue to face a competitive slate of opponents as they pursue a three-peat CIAA title.
Key dates for the 2025 Virginia Union football schedule, based on early releases, include:
- Season Opener: August 31 (Sunday) against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
- Home Opener: September 13 (Saturday).
- Key CIAA Matchups: The Panthers are scheduled to host Lincoln University (PA) on October 18 and Bowie State University on October 25.
- Rivalry Game: The season will once again conclude with the rivalry matchup against Virginia State, scheduled for November 1.
The program, led by Coach Dr. Alvin Parker, continues its recruiting efforts, including the 2024 National Signing Day class of 19 new signees, to maintain the high level of success established by players like former Deacon Jones HBCU Player of the Year Jada Byers. Fans and alumni are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in VUU football history.
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