: On November 15, 2025, the Golden Bulls defeated Virginia Union 45–21 to secure their first CIAA football title since 1969.

While JCSU and UNC do not regularly meet on the football field due to divisional differences, the Johnson C. Smith football program reached a historic milestone in 2025.

JCSU maintains more frequent athletic histories with other North Carolina institutions:

The matchup between and the University of North Carolina (UNC) primarily takes the form of high-profile basketball exhibitions. Their most recent meeting occurred on October 27, 2024 , at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, where the 9th-ranked Tar Heels defeated the Golden Bulls 127–63 . Basketball: UNC 127, JCSU 63 (Oct 27, 2024)

: Ashton Sherrell led the Golden Bulls with 16 points (including three 3-pointers), while Asa White contributed 14 points off the bench.

: UNC held significant advantages in rebounding (54–24) and points in the paint (72–24). JCSU Football: Historic 2025 Campaign

While an exhibition, the game served as a critical final tune-up for UNC and a major stage for the Division II Golden Bulls.

: JCSU is a pioneer in HBCU sports, having hosted the first-ever Black college football game in 1892 against Livingstone College. Cross-State Rivalries