BALTIMORE, MD — Fayetteville State University has been selected as the No. 1 team in the 2025–26 CIAA Predicted Order of Finish, as announced by the CIAA Head Coaches Association during the conference's preseason media day at the Under Armour Campus in Baltimore.

The Broncos, who captured a consecutive CIAA title last season, return a strong core led by three players named to the Preseason All-CIAA Team: Talia Trotter, KaNyah O'Neal, and Nyah Wilkins.

Trotter, a senior guard, averaged 13.3 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game in 2024–25. She shot 41.9 percent from the field and 72.8 percent from the free-throw line, appearing in all 29 games and logging over 870 minutes. Her scoring consistency and leadership make her one of the top returning guards in the conference.

O'Neal, a sophomore guard, earned All-CIAA Rookie Team honors last season and was named CIAA Rookie of the Week three times. She averaged 7.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 32.8 percent from three-point range. Her versatility and defensive tenacity were key in Fayetteville State's championship run.

Wilkins, a senior forward, was named CIAA Tournament Most Valuable Player after helping lead the Broncos to their second consecutive conference title. She averaged 7.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, adding 31 assists, 31 steals, and 5 blocks. Wilkins was also a member of last year's Preseason All-CIAA Team and continues to be a dominant presence in the paint.

Fayetteville State opens the 2025–26 season with high expectations and a championship mindset, aiming to build on last year's success and make another deep postseason run.

• Jasmine Jenkins, Bluefield State*
• Talia Trotter, Fayetteville State *
• KaNyah O'Neal, Fayetteville State 
• Mia Smith, Bowie State 
• Nyah Wilkins, Fayetteville State 
• Ashari Lewis, Claflin 
• D'Ayzha Akinson, Shaw 
• Mahogany Collins, Shaw 
• Kyshonna Brown, JCSU 
• Jakaiya Mack, WSSU

1. Fayetteville State University  
2. Virginia State University
3. Bowie State
4. Virginia Union
5. Claflin
6. Livingstone
7. Winston-Salem State
8. Shaw
9. Lincoln (PA)
10. Elizabeth City State
11. Johnson C. Smith
12. Bluefield State