The Game: Fayetteville State returns home to take on Johnson C. Smith for their ninth game of the season and sixth conference battle. The Broncos have won five games in a row and remain undefeated in CIAA play at 5-0 and tied for first place in the conference standings. JCSU is 4-1 (7-1 overall) and ranks third in the conference. Kickoff at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium is scheduled for 1:05 PM.
 
Key Storylines:
Streak Watch: Fayetteville State has won eight straight against Johnson C. Smith, including a 27–0 shutout last season.
Defense Wins Championships: FSU's defense has been lights out, allowing just 13.6 points per game in CIAA play and forcing 15 turnovers over the last three games.
Golden Bulls Offense: JCSU has been explosive at times, scoring 50+ points twice this season, but turnovers and penalties have plagued them in losses.
Championship Implications: A win keeps FSU in the driver's seat for the CIAA Championship title game, while JCSU needs a win and help to stay alive in the race.
 
Head-to-Head History: Fayetteville State shutout Johnson C. Smith last season with a 27-0 win on the road in Charlotte. The Broncos have won eight in a row over the Golden Bulls dating back to the 2016 season. FSU also has a 20-3 record against JCSU since 2000. 
 
Undefeated Conference Start: The Broncos undefeated start to CIAA play marks the fourth time in the Head Coach Richard Hayes Jr. era that FSU has opened the conference slate 5-0. 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 nine CIAA Player of the Week awards at various positions this season on offense, defense and special teams. Linebacker Matthew Leach, defensive back Keyshawn Monk and place kicker John Hernandez-Vargas are the three players that have earned multiple POTW awards at their positions. Monk is coming off a Week 8 Defensive Back of the Week Award for his performance last week at Shaw where he contributed across the board in the secondary, recording six total tackles (two solo), 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one pass breakup, one quarterback hurry, and a fumble recovery
 
Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah Named to HBCU Legacy Bowl: Last Wednesday FSU Tight End Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah was named a participant in the 2026 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl. Ashley-Diarrah is second among all Bronco receivers with 290 receiving yards on a team-high 27 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 fifth in total scoring (29.4 PPG), fifth in rush yards per game (150.9) and tenth in passing yards per game (168.3). On the special team's side, FSU leads the CIAA with nine field goals made in 12 attempts. The Broncos have also scored at least 30 points in every conference game this season and are averaging 38.4 points per game in CIAA play.
 
Defense Rankings: On the defensive end FSU leads the CIAA with 30 total sacks, and is also tied for first in interceptions (9), third in total yards allowed per game (309.8) and tied for sixth in forced fumbles (6).
 
Quarterback Room: Since the start of conference play senior Demari Daniels has emerged as the Broncos starting quarterback. Daniels has completed 53.7% of passes this season for 1,056 total yards and seven touchdowns while also displaying his dual-threat ability with 373 rush yards and four TD's on the ground. FSU's quarterback room has plenty of depth with Joe Owens and Wilson Kargbo Jr. having also received starts under center this season.
 
LAST WEEKEND: The Fayetteville State Broncos continued their conference dominance with a 31–13 road win over Shaw at Durham County Stadium. The defense was the story of the day, forcing five turnovers—including two interceptions and three fumble recoveries—while holding the Bears to just 325 total yards. Joseph Woodard led the charge with 6 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and a recovery. Keyshawn Monk added an interception and a fumble recovery.
 
On offense, Demari Daniels rushed for 80 yards on 10 carries and threw a 51-yard TD pass to Unique Kelly, while Caden Davis added 59 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

FSU built a 28–0 lead before Shaw got on the board, and the Broncos sealed the win with a late field goal.

The Broncos outgained Shaw 371–325 and held the Bears to just 6 points on three red zone trips. With the win, FSU remains undefeated in CIAA play.

This past weekend, Johnson C. Smith University hosted Winston-Salem State and came away with a dominant 52–27 victory at Irwin Belk Complex in Charlotte. Quarterback Kelvin Durham was electric, throwing for 351 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also rushing for 2 scores. Running back Bobby Smith added two rushing touchdowns, including a powerful 11-yard run in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Deandre Proctor caught two touchdown passes, including a 60-yard bomb late in the game to seal the win. The Golden Bulls racked up 526 total yards and 28 first downs, averaging 9.1 yards per play.
 
Winston-Salem State made a late push with 21 fourth-quarter points, but JCSU's offense was too much to overcome.
 
This win improved Johnson C. Smith's record to 7–1 overall and 5–1 in CIAA play, keeping them in contention for a spot in the CIAA Championship game.
 
ALL EYES ON JCSU:, All eyes will be on a Golden Bulls squad that has emerged as one of the conference's most explosive teams in 2025. With a 7–1 overall record and a 5–1 mark in CIAA play, JCSU enters the matchup with championship aspirations and a roster stacked with playmakers on both sides of the ball.
 
Leading the charge is junior quarterback Kelvin Durham (#1), a dynamic dual-threat who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding eight scores on the ground. Durham's ability to extend plays and make throws on the run has been a nightmare for opposing defenses all season.
 
In the backfield, Bobby Smith (#14) provides a steady presence, rushing for 634 yards and seven touchdowns. His physical running style complements Durham's mobility, giving JCSU a balanced attack. On the outside, Brian Lane (#5) and Deandre Proctor (#3) have emerged as reliable targets. Lane leads the team with 624 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while Proctor adds 510 yards and six scores, including a 60-yard strike in last week's win over Winston-Salem State.
 
Red zone efficiency has been a strength for the Golden Bulls, thanks in part to Reginald Daniel (#0), who boasts five touchdowns on just 13 receptions, averaging nearly 20 yards per catch.
 
Defensively, linebacker Vincent Hill (#0) anchors the unit with 51 tackles and six tackles for loss. He's joined up front by Cadricus Stanley (#22) and Steny Joseph (#97), who have combined for 8.5 sacks and consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. In the secondary, Elijah Wilson (#17) has been a ball hawk, recording three interceptions and two pass breakups.
 
Special teams could also play a role, with kicker/punter Lukasz Smolen (#37) providing a steady leg, converting 4-of-5 field goals with a long of 47 yards and averaging over 42 yards per punt. Return specialist Isaiah Perry (#10) is a game-changer, having already taken two kickoffs to the house, including a 100-yard return.
 
With a high-powered offense and a defense capable of creating havoc, Johnson C. Smith presents a formidable challenge for the Broncos. Saturday's matchup will be a test of Fayetteville State's defensive discipline and offensive execution as both teams battle for supremacy in the CIAA South.
 
Offensive Rankings:
Scoring Offense: Top 3 in CIAA – averaging over 35 points per game
Total Offense: Among the top in the conference – over 400 yards per game
Passing Offense: 2nd in CIAA – led by QB Kelvin Durham with 2,074 passing yards and 19 TDs
Rushing Offense: Balanced attack – RB Bobby Smith with 634 yards and 7 TDs
 
JCSU's offense is one of the most explosive in the CIAA, combining vertical passing with a strong ground game. They've scored 50+ points twice this season and are averaging over 9 yards per play in recent games.
 
Defensive Rankings:
Scoring Defense: Middle of the pack – allowing around 20–25 points per game
Total Defense: Solid but not elite – giving up 350–375 yards per game
Turnovers Forced: Top 5 in CIAA – including multiple interceptions and fumble recoveries
Sacks: Led by DL Cadricus Stanley and LB Kevin Haynes Jr., combining for 6.5 sacks
 
While not the most dominant unit statistically, JCSU's defense has been opportunistic, creating key turnovers and holding opponents in check through three quarters in most games.
 
Fayetteville State Broncos – Keys to Victory
#1. Control the Line of Scrimmage
FSU's defense has been dominant in CIAA play, especially up front. The Broncos must win the battle in the trenches to contain JCSU's dual-threat quarterback Kelvin Durham and limit explosive runs from Bobby Smith.
#2. Force Turnovers
The Broncos have forced 15 turnovers in their last three games. Continuing that trend will be crucial against a high-powered Golden Bulls offense that can score quickly.
#3. Establish the Run Early
Demari Daniels and Caden Davis have formed a strong rushing duo. Controlling the clock and keeping JCSU's offense off the field will be key to dictating tempo.
#4. Limit Big Plays
JCSU thrives on chunk yardage through the air. FSU's secondary must stay disciplined and avoid giving up deep shots to Brian Lane and Deandre Proctor.
# 5. Capitalize in the Red Zone
FSU has struggled at times to finish drives. Converting red zone trips into touchdowns rather than field goals will be critical in a game that could turn into a shootout.
 
Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls – Keys to Victory
# 1. Protect Kelvin Durham
Durham is the centerpiece of the offense. Keeping him upright and giving him time to operate will be essential against a Broncos defense that brings pressure from multiple angles.
# 2. Start Fast
FSU has been dominant in second halves. JCSU needs to jump out early and force the Broncos to play from behind, which could disrupt their run-heavy game plan.
# 3. Win Special Teams
Isaiah Perry is a threat to score on any return, and kicker Lukasz Smolen has been reliable. Field position and special teams execution could swing momentum.
# 4. Limit Turnovers
JCSU has been prone to giveaways in losses. Ball security will be paramount against a defense that thrives on takeaways.
# 5. Disrupt FSU's Rhythm
If the Golden Bulls can force third-and-long situations and get off the field defensively, they'll give their offense more chances to strike quickly.