The Game: Fayetteville State heads to Durham to take on Shaw for their eighth game of the season and fifth conference battle. The Broncos have won four games in a row and remain undefeated in CIAA play at 4-0 and tied for first place in the conference standings with Virginia Union University (4-0, 6-1). Shaw is 2-3 (2-5 overall) and is in a tie for sixth place in the conference. Kickoff at Durham County Stadium is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. 

Head-to-Head History: Shaw pulled off the upset in Fayetteville last season with a 38-35 win over the Broncos in their first win against FSU since the 2013 season. The Broncos have won nine of the last ten games against Shaw and are 15-8 over the Bears dating back to the 1973 season. 

Undefeated Conference Start: The Broncos undefeated start to CIAA play marks the sixth time in the Head Coach Richard Hayes Jr. era that FSU has opened the conference slate 4-0. FSU went an undefeated 8-0 in the CIAA during the 2023 season and also ran the table at 7-0 in 2021. 

Players of the Week: Fayetteville State has received eight CIAA Player of the Week awards at various positions this season on offense, defense and special teams. Linebacker Matthew Leach and place kicker John Hernandez-Vargas are the two players that have earned multiple POTW awards at their positions. 

Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah Named to HBCU Legacy Bowl: On Wednesday FSU Tight End Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah was named a participant in the 2026 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl. Ashley-Diarrah leads all Bronco receivers with 268 receiving yards on a team-high 24 catches. The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame, is a postseason all-star game showcasing the best NFL draft-eligible football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The game will be broadcast live on NFL Network on February 21st in New Orleans. 

Offense Rankings: Fayetteville State's offense enters this week ranked fourth in total scoring (29.1 PPG), sixth in rush yards per game (145.0) and ninth in passing yards per game (166.7). On the special team's side, FSU is tied for first with eight field goals made in 11 attempts. 

Defense Rankings: On the defensive end FSU leads the CIAA with 28 total sacks and is also tied for third in interceptions (7), third in total yards allowed per game (307.6) and seventh in forced fumbles (5). 

Quarterback Room: Since the start of conference play senior Demari Daniels has emerged as the Broncos starting quarterback. Daniels has completed 53.3% of passes this season for 939 total yards and six touchdowns while also displaying his dual-threat ability with 293 rush yards and four TD's on the ground.
 
Daniels has compiled a solid collegiate career as a quarterback, showcasing growth and resilience across four seasons. Over 29 games, Daniels completed 190 of 353 pass attempts, totaling 2,529 passing yards and 21 touchdowns with just 9 interceptions. His most productive season came in 2025, where he threw for 939 yards and 6 touchdowns over 7 games, averaging 134.1 yards per game and completing 53% of his passes. Daniels' career-long completion of 83 yards came during his breakout 2022 season, where he posted his highest completion percentage (.59) and averaged 99.4 yards per game. While his completion rate dipped slightly in subsequent seasons, he remained a consistent contributor, demonstrating his ability to adapt and lead the offense effectively.
 
FSU's quarterback room has plenty of depth with Joe Owens and Wilson Kargbo Jr. having also received starts under center this season. 
 
Team Comparison: Based on the 2025 CIAA football statistics, Fayetteville State has outperformed Shaw in several key areas, highlighting a more balanced and efficient team profile. Fayetteville State averages 29.1 points per game, nearly double Shaw's 15.6, and has scored 26 touchdowns compared to Shaw's 16. Offensively, Fayetteville State has generated 2,182 total yards over 453 plays, averaging 311.7 yards per game, while Shaw has managed 1,780 yards on 477 plays, averaging just 254.3 yards per game. In the passing game, Fayetteville State holds a slight edge with 1,167 passing yards versus Shaw's 966, and also leads in rushing with 1,015 yards compared to Shaw's 814.

Defensively, Fayetteville State has been more effective, allowing 307.6 yards per game, while Shaw has surrendered a hefty 375.0 yards per game. Shaw's defense has also given up 245 points across 7 games (35.0 points per game), whereas Fayetteville State has allowed 136 points (19.4 points per game). These numbers reflect Fayetteville State's stronger defensive front and more productive offense, positioning them as a more formidable contender in the CIAA standings.

Fayetteville State Broncos – Key Strengths

• Balanced Offense: The Broncos have generated over 2,100 total yards, with a near-even split between rushing (1,015 yards) and passing (1,167 yards), showcasing versatility and adaptability.
• Scoring Efficiency: Averaging 29.1 points per game, Fayetteville State ranks among the top offensive teams in the CIAA.
• Defensive Solidity: The Broncos allow just 19.4 points per game and 307.6 yards per game, indicating a disciplined and effective defense.

Shaw Bears – Key Strengths

• Emerging Talent: Under new head coach Lamar Manigo, Shaw is building a fresh identity with a focus on offensive development.
• Resilience in Close Games: Despite a 2–5 record, Shaw has shown fight in tight contests, including a narrow 33–35 loss to Bluefield State and a 20–13 win over Winston-Salem State.
• Passing Game Potential: With nearly 1,000 passing yards on the season, Shaw's aerial attack is a growing strength, especially as the team adjusts to a new system.
• Special Teams Contributions: Shaw has been active in the return game, with solid kickoff and punt return averages that help flip field position.

Offensive Standouts

• Alexander Marsh (QB): Leads the passing game with 641 yards, 6 touchdowns, and a 52% completion rate over 6 games. His longest pass is 52 yards, and he averages 106.8 yards per game.
• Fabian Diggs (RB): A consistent rusher with 241 net yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 40.2 yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry.
• Trey Thorpe (RB): Another key contributor with 251 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 41.8 yards per game.
• Cobie Bates (WR): Top receiver with 177 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 35.4 yards per game.
• Reggie King Jr. (WR): Deep threat with 129 yards, a touchdown, and a team-best 18.4 yards per catch.

Defensive Leaders

• Darry Felix (LB): Team leader in tackles with 43 total, including 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception.
• Jaden Perkins (DB): Strong in coverage with 32 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 pass breakups.
• Keyshawn Richardson (DL): Has 25 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack, contributing to the pass rush.
• Isman Alston (LB): Versatile defender with 20 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.
• Thomas Thompson Jr. (DB): Recorded 11 tackles and 1 interception, showing playmaking ability in the secondary.