This year's press conference featured the 2010 season theme, “Fear the 13 -- Triskaidekaphobia.” With the return of Lincoln University (Pa.) and Winston-Salem State University to the conference, the CIAA has increased its number of football playing schools to 13.  

Each football coach was interviewed by Stan Lewter of the Urban Sports and Entertainment Group as they shared their outlooks for the upcoming year.

The 1980 season was the league's last year to host as many schools. The Order of Finish and Preseason All-CIAA Team are voted on by the CIAA Football Coaches Association.

Fayetteville State University has been picked to repeat as CIAA Football Champions. Shaw University was rated second overall and runnerup in the South Division. Bowie State was picked first in the North Division and third overall.

BSU led the conference with six selectees to the Preseason All-CIAA Team.

Predicted Order of Finish

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