FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University's football team continues to strengthen its NCAA Division II postseason résumé after climbing eight spots to No. 38 in the latest NCAA National Performance Index (NPI) rankings released through games played Nov. 7.
 
The Broncos (7-3, 6-2 CIAA) enter the CIAA Championship Weekend as one of four CIAA programs ranked among the top 50 teams nationally and currently sit seventh in Super Region 1, placing Fayetteville State inside the regional playoff field entering the final week of NCAA selection discussions.
 
The NCAA Division II Football Championship consists of a 32-team field, with the top eight teams from each of the four regions earning a berth in the national tournament. Regional champions then advance through the bracket in pursuit of the NCAA Division II National Championship.
 
The official championship field will be announced during the NCAA Division II Football Selection Show on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. ET.
 
Fayetteville State's position in the national rankings is a testament to a season that has exceeded preseason expectations.
 
When the CIAA unveiled its predicted order of finish in July, Virginia Union was selected as the conference favorite and ultimately validated that forecast by finishing 8-0 in league play and securing the No. 1 seed for CIAA Championship Weekend.
 
Meanwhile, the Broncos emerged as one of the conference's biggest movers during the regular season. Fueled by a five-game winning streak, Fayetteville State climbed into a tie for third place in the final CIAA standings with Virginia State, both finishing 6-2 in conference play and 7-3 overall.
 
The final regular-season standings featured Virginia Union (8-0) atop the league, followed by Johnson C. Smith (7-1), with Fayetteville State and Virginia State tied for third at 6-2.
 
The NCAA's National Performance Index serves as the primary tool for evaluating Division II postseason candidates, and Fayetteville State has steadily improved its standing throughout the second half of the season.
 
The Broncos climbed from No. 46 to No. 38 nationally in this week's rankings and currently rank seventh among Super Region 1 teams. If the rankings hold, Fayetteville State would occupy one of the region's eight playoff positions.
 
Among Super Region 1 programs, Virginia Union is ranked No. 15 nationally and fourth within the region, while Johnson C. Smith checks in at No. 27 nationally. Fayetteville State ranks ahead of fellow CIAA member Virginia State, which sits at No. 41 nationally and eighth in the region.
 
The Broncos' five consecutive victories to close the regular season have been instrumental in elevating their regional standing and keeping them firmly in NCAA playoff contention.

CIAA Friday Night Blitz Showdown
 
Before the NCAA playoff field is unveiled, Fayetteville State will take part in the CIAA Friday Night Blitz during CIAA Championship Weekend against Virginia State.
 
The matchup features two teams that finished the regular season with identical 7-3 overall records and 6-2 conference marks. It also pits two of the region's top-ranked playoff contenders against one another, with the Broncos entering the week ranked No. 38 nationally and the Trojans No. 41.
 
While conference standings have already been finalized, the Friday Night Blitz provides an opportunity for both programs to showcase the strength of CIAA football on a postseason stage as they await the NCAA's selection announcement.
 
CIAA Programs in the NCAA NPI Rankings

Team	Record	National NPI Rank	Super Region 1 Rank
Virginia Union	9-1	15	4
Johnson C. Smith	8-2	27	5
Fayetteville State	7-3	38	7
Virginia State	7-3	41	9