Bowie State University Football Picked Ninth in CIAA Preseason Poll; Three Bulldogs Earn Preseason All-CIAA Honors

DURHAM, N.C. – The Bowie State University football team was selected to finish ninth in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) preseason predicted order of finish, the conference announced on Wednesday during the 2026 CIAA Football Media Day in Durham, North Carolina. The Bulldogs, entering the season under new leadership, also saw three of their players receive preseason All-CIAA honors.

Bowie State Football and Coach Dawson Odums Enter New Era

First-year head coach Dawson Odums takes the helm of Bowie State University (BSU) football with the goal of revitalizing the program and competing aggressively in the CIAA. Odums, who previously served as the head coach at Norfolk State University, brings extensive experience to the Bulldogs. His coaching staff is focused on building a competitive squad to advance BSU’s standing in the conference.

The CIAA preseason poll, voted on by the league’s head coaches and media members, projects Bowie State to finish ninth out of 14 teams. Among the Bulldogs, three standout players earned spots on the preseason All-CIAA team, signaling individual recognition despite the team’s projected placement.

Preseason All-CIAA Honors for Three BSU Bulldogs

Three Bowie State Bulldogs were announced to the preseason All-CIAA team, highlighting their expected impact in the upcoming season. While the official list was released by the conference, the following players from Bowie State earned honors:

• Linebacker Justin Carter – Known for his tackling ability and sideline-to-sideline speed, Carter is poised to anchor the Bulldogs’ defense.
• Defensive Back Malik Simmons – Simmons’ ball-hawking skills and coverage proficiency earned him preseason recognition.
• Wide Receiver Marcus Gibson – Gibson, a reliable target and dynamic playmaker, was also honored on the preseason team.

These players’ inclusion signals leadership roles for the Bulldogs as they enter the 2026 season and face stiff competition within the CIAA.

2026 CIAA Football Preseason Poll Overview

The official 2026 CIAA preseason poll ranking, as released at the media day, is as follows:

1. Virginia State University
2. Shaw University
3. Virginia Union University
4. Johnson C. Smith University
5. Saint Augustine’s University
6. Claflin University
7. Winston-Salem State University
8. Livingstone College
9. Bowie State University
10. Elizabeth City State University
11. Chowan University
12. Fayetteville State University
13. Lincoln University (PA)
14. Saint Paul’s College

Virginia State University, the defending CIAA champions, were picked to repeat atop the poll, underscoring the competitive nature of the league in 2026.

Season Outlook for Bowie State Bulldogs

With a schedule that includes challenging matchups against top CIAA programs, Bowie State will rely heavily on its improved defensive unit and emerging offensive talent under Coach Odums. The team kicks off the 2026 season on September 5th at home, taking on Chowan University at Bulldog Stadium in Bowie, Maryland. The full schedule includes key conference matchups that will be pivotal to surpassing preseason expectations.

2026 Bowie State Football Schedule Highlights:

• Sept. 5 – vs. Chowan University (Home)
• Sept. 12 – at Johnson C. Smith University
• Sept. 26 – vs. Virginia State University (Home)
• Oct. 10 – at Shaw University
• Oct. 24 – vs. Livingstone College (Home)
• Nov. 7 – at Saint Augustine’s University
• Nov. 14 – vs. Fayetteville State University (Home)

The Bulldogs will look to shake off the preseason predictions and climb the standings with consistent performances and leadership from their all-conference honorees.

Maryland Sports Blog Take

Bowie State University football enters an important transitional year under new head coach Dawson Odums. Being picked ninth in the CIAA preseason poll may appear modest on the surface, yet football is played on the field, not on ballots. The preseason recognition of linebacker Justin Carter, defensive back Malik Simmons, and wide receiver Marcus Gibson presents a promising core for the Bulldogs to build upon.

Coach Odums possesses a strong pedigree in college football and has the opportunity to make an immediate impact in the CIAA with an energized Bowie State team. The schedule tests the Bulldogs early and often, but there is potential for Bowie State to exceed expectations with a competitive attitude and strategic growth throughout the season.

Fans in Maryland will follow eagerly as the Bulldogs aim to reinstate their program as a regional power and challenge the CIAA’s established contenders in 2026.

For more on Bowie State football and the CIAA, visit the official Bowie State Bulldogs announcement, the CIAA official football page, and the NCAA Bowie State profile.

Also, explore Maryland Sports Blog articles on Bowie State Football Outlook, CIAA Football 2026 Season Preview, and Interview with Coach Dawson Odums.