Commonwealth Collegiate Rankings Week 4 (9-23-2026)

By: Joe Dillard Jr.

Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network

25-26 Final Rankings

10. Virginia State University

9. Shenandoah

8. William & Mary

7. University of Richmond

6. Virginia Union University

5. Randolph-Macon College

4. Christopher Newport University

3. Old Dominion University

2. University Of Virginia

1. James Madison University

Week 4 9/22/2026

Welcome back for another season of College football in the Great Commonwealth of

Virginia. We take a look at the teams from last season’s final ranking and notice some have

held their stance by starting off strong. Bridgewater, Ferrum, and VMI are still looking for the

first win of the year.

Honorable Mention is Roanoke College, 2-0 and the only undefeated team in the ODAC

conference, and could use that to dominate the conference and make a playoff run. This

will be a huge opportunity for a resurging program.

10. Old Dominion University (1-2 Sun Belt) The in-state games are at 3 out of 4 as James

Madison comes into town as ODU is coming off􀆯 two straight losses. Only one way to stay in

the top ten after this week and with a slow start, this looks like teams of the past that have

rough starts but have been known to turn it around. East Carolina got the best of the

Monarchs last week 17-20 so hopefully they can put together a game plan for the Dukes.

9. William and Mary (2-2 Patriot) The adjustment to the Patriot League for the Tribe will

be a real thing and Fordham Rams welcomed them properly with a 52-27 thrashing at

home. Here is a thought, the Tribe could go undefeated outside of the conference schedule

and might have a hard time adjusting to the style of play for the teams in the Patriot League.

Richmond had its struggles as well last season, and the Tribe might be on that path. If they

happen to beat Duke next week then my prediction of non-conference wins and conference

losses might be true.

8. Virginia State University (3-1 CIAA) With a win over Elizabeth City 28-14, the Trojans

look to make a push for a CIAA title appearance and have a balanced attack of running and

passing which will be needed in order to have a shot at dethroning Union. With Winston

Salem State coming into town, the Trojans will look to sharpen their execution and handle

the Rams with ease.

7. Virginia Union University (3-1 CIAA) Dominating Bluefield 42-0 is why they have been

the cream of the crop out of the CIAA and usually end up high on our list due to a playoff

run. They will continue to roll winners of three in a row and travel to Fayetteville State

which on the road can always pose an issue but if the Panthers bring that offensive line,

then I am more than sure they will be able to make it 4 straight wins.

6. University of Richmond (3-1 Patriot) Escaping a home win against Georgetown is not

a convincing win but nonetheless a win is a win. After the embarrassing loss to N.C. State

73-0 a win is huge for the confidence, but they will need to figure out how to play

complementary football and use that momentum to pull away from teams they are supposed to be

to. Another home game with Furman coming into town sounds like a good recipe to get it

right.

5. Liberty University (2-1 Con USA) Dominating Ball State at home 51-15 is a strong win

for Liberty, who is playing good football early in the season and the question is will there be

another level of growth within the season to ascend to the top of Con USA. A trip to Coastal

Carolina will be a tough task after not leaving the state in the first three matchups.

4. Christopher Newport University (2-0) NJAC Holding strong from last season’s

success, the Captains of CNU come in fourth with a 2-0 record winning a combined 80-21

from both games and have two weeks to prepare for the team that knocked them out of the

playoffs at Susquehanna University. Last season the Captains beat them in the regular

season and lost in the playoffs. Roles switched I’m sure the Captains would take it but we

are in season and I’m sure they are dying to get their hands on the River Hawks of

Susquehanna. Big game gives them a chance to push for top ranking in Division III.

3. University of Virginia (2-1 ACC) after starting off 2-0, the Hoos drop a huge resume

game against West Virginia 27-38. They still have a huge opportunity in front of them with a

wide-open ACC conference and a home game against Delaware before conference play

can get them 2-1 outside the conference as they are already 1-0 in the ACC. A little home

cooking should be a good call before traveling to Tallahassee the following week to play a

desperate Florida State team.

2. James Madison University (3-0 Sun Belt) Huge win going on the road across the

country to face San Diego State on National TV and the Dukes of JMU handle San Diego 26-

13. This is continued proof of the run JMU has been on and it looks to continue as they

have a couple of stamps to add to their resume with this one being the first. A conference

title and a huge matchup against UConn who also had a great season last year, will be a great

notch to add to their belt. Staying in state but traveling to ODU should be a great win for

JMU however in-state matchups sometimes can be very personal.

1. Virginia Tech (3-0 ACC) James Franklin has arrived in Blacksburg and like PrimeTime

said, He brought a bag with him, and it is out for display now as the Hokies are 3-0 and

already have a signature win on the road against Maryland. How the guys respond to the

ACC will be the next challenge as they have Boston College up next and will be the first

ACC game of the season. That running game of the Hokies will always give them a

chance as they are learning to play together and complete football all in one while still

showing their talent. A lot of room for growth but while 3-0 there’s no better place to be.