Johnson C. Smith V North Carolina -: Link 2

: 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.

: 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!! Johnson C. Smith v North Carolina - Link 2

In their most recent high-profile meeting, the 9th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the JCSU Golden Bulls in an exhibition game at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill. : Formerly fierce CIAA rivals before NCCU's move

: 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 2 seed

: UNC saw seven players score in double digits , shooting 61% from the field in the first half alone.