10 Things You Must Know About Central State University Sports In The 2025-2026 Season
Central State University (CSU) Athletics is currently experiencing a dynamic resurgence, marked by key coaching hires, competitive success in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), and a renewed focus on academic excellence. As of December 2025, the Marauders and Lady Marauders are deeply entrenched in the 2025-2026 sports calendar, showcasing their talents across NCAA Division II. The latest updates reveal a thriving athletic environment in Wilberforce, Ohio, with major developments in football, basketball, and volleyball, all contributing to the university's "Bold New Era."
This article dives into the essential, up-to-the-minute details every fan and prospective student-athlete needs to know, covering everything from the Marauders' conference standing to the legacies of their most celebrated champions, ensuring you have the freshest information on CSU's powerful athletic programs.
The Central State University Athletics Roster: 10 Varsity Teams and Key Affiliations
Central State University proudly sponsors 10 varsity athletic teams, split evenly between men's and women's programs, all competing at the NCAA Division II level. The Marauders and Lady Marauders are a foundational part of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), a historic conference comprised primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This affiliation is central to the university's athletic identity and competitive schedule.
The complete list of varsity teams is as follows:
- Men's Teams (Marauders): Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Track & Field (Indoor), and Track & Field (Outdoor).
- Women's Teams (Lady Marauders): Basketball, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track & Field (Indoor), and Track & Field (Outdoor).
The SIAC affiliation places CSU in a highly competitive environment, particularly in regional rivalries. The university's commitment to the student-athlete experience is evident in its strategic plan, which emphasizes holistic development and academic success alongside athletic achievement.
The 'Bold New Era': Head Coach Tony Carter and Marauders Football
The Central State Marauders football program has captured national headlines with the arrival of Head Coach Tony Carter, who was officially introduced on March 20, 2025. Carter, a former NFL cornerback, has been tasked with ushering in a "bold new era" and restoring the program's rich history of success. His hiring signifies a major investment in the future of CSU football.
Coach TC’s Vision: Carter’s philosophy centers on leveraging his professional experience to instill a championship mindset and a high standard of play. He aims to "bring back" the glory days of Marauder football, which has a storied past in the HBCU landscape. The 2025 season saw the team post a 3-7 record, a foundation on which Coach Carter is building for future SIAC contention. The focus is on disciplined play, strong defensive performance, and an exciting brand of football that engages the "Marauder Nation."
The official 2025 Football Schedule and Roster are already set, highlighting the university's proactive approach to preparation and recruitment. Fans are eager to see how Coach Carter’s leadership translates into on-field success in the upcoming seasons.
Lady Marauders: Volleyball's 16-Win Season and Academic Excellence
The Lady Marauders volleyball program demonstrated exceptional performance and academic dedication during the 2025 season. This team has become a powerhouse within the SIAC, finishing the season with an impressive 16 wins.
2025 Season Highlights: The team capped their successful run with a decisive sweep over rival Kentucky State, showcasing their dominance in the conference. Their season concluded in November 2025 with a thrilling five-set match against Savannah State, demonstrating their competitive spirit right up to the final point.
Beyond the court, the Lady Marauders are setting a new standard for the student-athlete ideal. In December 2025, four players were named to the CSC Academic All-District Team, an achievement that highlights the program's commitment to academic rigor alongside athletic prowess. This success in both areas makes the volleyball program a model for Central State Athletics.
Track & Field and Cross Country: A Legacy of Champions
The Central State Track & Field and Cross Country programs have a deep history of producing champions, a legacy that continues into the 2025-2026 season. These programs compete in both Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field, with their schedules already underway in late 2025.
Recent Achievements: The 2025 SIAC Track and Field Championships saw the Marauders and Lady Marauders compete at the highest level. The program recently celebrated the lasting legacy of champions like Amarianna Lofton, a standout athlete whose career concluded in May 2025. The focus for the 2026 season is on building upon these past successes and securing more conference titles.
Basketball: The 2025-2026 Season in Full Swing
Both the Men's and Women's Basketball programs are deep into their 2025-2026 schedules, competing fiercely in the SIAC. The season opener for both teams has already taken place, with recent games providing a clear picture of the current competitive landscape.
Men's Basketball Updates: The Marauders Men's Basketball team has shown flashes of brilliance, including a decisive victory over Allen University in November 2025, where they caught "fire from deep." They continue to face tough SIAC competition, with a recent close loss against Clark Atlanta in December 2025. The 2025-2026 Men's Basketball Roster is filled with key returners and new talent aiming for a strong run in the SIAC tournament.
Women's Basketball Updates: The Lady Marauders Women's Basketball team is also battling through their 2025-2026 schedule, with their season opening against tough regional opponents. Their competitive spirit and commitment to the game are evident in every matchup as they strive for a top SIAC ranking.
CSU's Athletic Culture: Hall of Fame and The Gold Standard
Central State University's commitment to honoring its past and engaging its future is evident in two major initiatives: the Athletic Hall of Fame and the new "The Gold Standard" podcast.
2025 Athletic Hall of Fame: The university celebrated excellence and legacy during the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The event honored five remarkable inductees, including Olympian Neil De Silva, basketball standout Allen Smith, volleyball great Kesha Adams, and track and field champion Chantel White-Lawrence. This ceremony connects the current student-athletes to the rich history of Marauder success.
The Gold Standard Podcast: Launched by Central State University Athletics, "The Gold Standard" podcast is a dynamic new platform designed to engage the "Marauder Nation." This initiative offers an exciting way for fans to get behind-the-scenes access, hear from coaches and athletes, and stay updated on all aspects of CSU sports.
Notable Marauder Alumni and Athletic Legends
The legacy of Central State University sports extends far beyond the Wilberforce campus, with numerous alumni achieving success at the professional level. These individuals serve as powerful inspiration for the current generation of student-athletes.
Key notable alumni athletes include:
- Roosevelt Nix: A former American football player who had a successful career in the NFL.
- John Roseboro: A former professional baseball player in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Neil De Silva: An Olympian and celebrated Track & Field inductee into the 2025 Hall of Fame.
- Kesha Adams: A standout volleyball player and 2025 Hall of Fame inductee.
- Allen Smith: A celebrated basketball standout honored in the 2025 Hall of Fame.
- Jon Bradford: A prominent football Full Back from the Class of 1975.
- Edward "Bee" Bryant: A Forward for the basketball team from the Class of 1967.
These legends underscore the quality of the athletic programs at CSU and their ability to prepare athletes for success at the highest levels of competition.
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