Durham, NC – Livingstone College was ranked 7th in the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football Preseason Poll, as announced during the CIAA Football Media Day held July 15–16 in Durham, North Carolina.

Representing the Blue Bears at the event were Head Coach Sean Gilbert, Associate Head Coach Mark Williams, and standout student-athletes David Jones and Calvin Scott. 

Virginia Union, the reigning 2024 CIAA Champions, topped the poll, followed by Johnson C. Smith and Virginia State. Livingstone was projected to finish 7th out of 11 teams.

Despite the mid-tier prediction, Head Coach Sean Gilbert expressed confidence in his team's potential to outperform expectations.

"Rankings are just numbers on paper," said Gilbert. "What matters is how we show up every day—on the field, in the film room, and in the weight room. This team is hungry, focused, and ready to prove that we're more than a seventh-place prediction. We're building something special at Livingstone, and we're coming to compete."

2024 Season Recap

The Blue Bears wrapped up the 2024 campaign with a 6-4 overall record and 4-3 in CIAA play, showing marked improvement and resilience throughout the season. Livingstone averaged 19.5 points per game while holding opponents to 21.4 points per game. The team totaled 2,720 yards of offense, including 1,100 rushing yards and 1,620 passing yards.

Defensively, the Blue Bears were aggressive and opportunistic, recording 25 sacks, 16 interceptions, and 4 fumble recoveries. Special teams also contributed with 13 field goals and a blocked kick.

Sophomore defensive lineman Davion Watkins was named to the 2025 Preseason All-CIAA Team after a breakout 2024 season. He posted:

• 47 total tackles (26 solo, 21 assisted)
• 15.0 tackles for loss totaling 59 yards
• 6.5 sacks for 36 yards
• 1 fumble recovery for 22 yards
• 3 quarterback hurries, 1 pass breakup, and 1 blocked kick

Watkins earned CIAA Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for his dominant performance against Allen University, where he tallied 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and a fumble recovery.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Blue Bears are poised to build on last year's momentum and challenge for a top spot in the CIAA standings.

2025 CIAA Predicted Order of Finish:

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

For more updates on Livingstone College Football, follow @LCBlueBears on social media or visit www.livingstone.edu.