: JCSU's primary historical rival is Livingstone College . This rivalry is famous for the first-ever Black college football game played on December 27, 1892. JCSU's Recent Success (2025)
The matchup between and the University of North Carolina (UNC) primarily takes place in men's basketball, often as an exhibition game that highlights the regional connection between these two historic North Carolina institutions. Recent Matchup: October 27, 2024
The university is currently experiencing a massive athletic resurgence: Johnson C. Smith v North Carolina - Link 2
: These games serve as a platform for JCSU, a Division II HBCU, to compete on a national stage against elite Power 5 talent while celebrating North Carolina's deep basketball culture. Historical Context & Other Rivalries
: UNC saw seven players score in double digits , shooting 61% from the field in the first half alone. : JCSU's primary historical rival is Livingstone College
: The JCSU football team recently won the 2025 CIAA Championship , their first title since 1969.
: Following their conference victory, the Golden Bulls made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs as a No. 2 seed. JCSU Football 2025 CIAA Champions!! Recent Matchup: October 27, 2024 The university is
: Formerly fierce CIAA rivals before NCCU's move to Division I, these two "state-line" programs have a deep history in both basketball and football. NCCU led their most recent basketball matchup (July 2022) with a 69-56 win.