DURHAM, N.C. – Under the leadership of first-year head coach Dawson Odums, the Bowie State football team has been selected to finish ninth in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) preseason predicted order of finish, the conference announced Wednesday during the 2026 CIAA Football Media Day in Durham, N.C.

In addition to the preseason poll, three Bulldogs were recognized on the 2026 Preseason All-CIAA Team: junior running back Micah Robinson (Baltimore, Md.), junior defensive lineman Dalan Johnson (Baltimore, Md.) and junior defensive lineman Deshawn Willoughby (Tamarac, Fl.).

Robinson, a 2025 Second Team All-CIAA selection, returns after leading Bowie State's rushing attack last season. The Baltimore, Md., native rushed for a team-high 624 yards and five touchdowns on 144 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He also added six receptions for 40 yards and finished second on the team with 664 all-purpose yards, earning a spot on the 2026 Preseason All-CIAA Team.

Johnson played a major role on the Bulldogs' defensive front last season, recording 24 total tackles, including 5.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks, while helping BSU limit opponents to 132.7 rushing yards per game.

Willoughby also made his presence felt on the defensive line, finishing the 2025 campaign with 24 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, earning preseason recognition entering his junior season.

The Bulldogs enter a new era under Odums, who takes over one of the CIAA's most tradition-rich football programs. Bowie State finished the 2025 season with a 3-7 overall record and a 2-6 mark in CIAA play, while averaging 311.9 yards of total offense and 20.9 points per game.

BSU will open the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, with an early CIAA showdown against rival Virginia State at Rogers Stadium in Petersburg, Va. Kickoff time and additional game-day information will be announced at a later date.

2026 CIAA Football Predicted Order of Finish 

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

2026 Preseason All-CIAA Team 
*An asterisk denotes a returning 2025 All-CIAA First Team selection. 

Quarterback 
Rahsaan Matthews Jr., Virginia State University 

Running Backs 
Micah Robinson, Bowie State University 
Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith University* 

Wide Receivers 
Brandon Wiley, Bluefield State University* 
Brian Lane, Johnson C. Smith University* 
Marcus Fleming, Fayetteville State University 

Tight End 
Joe Griffin, Elizabeth City State University 

Offensive Linemen 
Jamari Mason, Johnson C. Smith University* 
Robert Early, Johnson C. Smith University 
Malachi Jones, Fayetteville State University 
Toriono Combs, Elizabeth City State University* 
Marcus Andrews, Johnson C. Smith University 

Defensive Line 
Dalan Johnson, Bowie State University 
Joseph Woodard, Fayetteville State University 
Christopher Gordon, Fayetteville State University 
Sir'Sean Ingram, Elizabeth City State University 
Deshawn Willoughby, Bowie State University 

Linebackers 
Jaevon Branch, Elizabeth City State University 
Vincent Hill, Johnson C. Smith University* 
Jatavien Taylor, Fayetteville State University 

Defensive Backs 
Amari Best, Fayetteville State University
 
Placekicker 
Jason Zapata, Livingstone College
 
Punter 
Abdoulazim Bayor, Fayetteville State University
 
Kick Return Specialist 
Shamar Sutton, Elizabeth City State University 

Punt Return Specialist 
Zyaire Tart, Virginia Union University* 

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.