Lincoln University of Pennsylvania returned to Philadelphia on Friday night for an occasion that brought together football, HBCU traditions and entertainment at Lincoln Financial Field. Facing Virginia Union during One Philly HBCU Week, the Lions stepped onto an NFL stage for a conference matchup surrounded by celebrations of education, community and culture, including a halftime performance featuring Ludacris.

Presented by the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Eagles, the matchup marked Lincoln’s first football game in Philadelphia in 16 years. Serving as the home team gave the nation’s first degree-granting historically Black college and university an opportunity to showcase its program and heritage before alumni, students and supporters from across the region.

Friday’s programming included a college and job fair and a college and alumni step show, connecting the game with opportunities and traditions beyond athletics. Ludacris’s halftime appearance added another attraction to an evening that formed part of a broader celebration of historically Black colleges and universities.

On the field, Lincoln entered looking to turn a competitive performance into a result. The Lions had fallen 21–14 to Winston-Salem State during their Homecoming and Senior Day game the previous weekend. Virginia Union arrived with considerable momentum after a 49–6 victory over Shaw, presenting Lincoln with a demanding assignment against one of the CIAA’s leading teams.

The Panthers established control early. Quarterback RJ Rosales found Zyaire Tart for a 44-yard touchdown with 12:04 remaining in the opening quarter, and Gage Miller later added a 37-yard field goal. Virginia Union then created separation with three second-quarter touchdowns, taking a 31–0 advantage into halftime.

Ramon Brown powered the rushing attack, finishing with a career-high 150 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. His three-yard scoring run opened Virginia Union’s second-quarter surge, followed by Rosales’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Latrell Sutton and a 16-yard touchdown run from Raphael Tucker.

Lincoln struggled to sustain possessions against the Panthers’ defense. The Lions managed 112 total yards and five first downs, converting one of 13 third-down attempts. With few extended drives to relieve the pressure, Lincoln’s defense repeatedly returned to the field against an offense that could move the ball through the air and on the ground.

Virginia Union continued to build its advantage after halftime. Rosales scored on a one-yard run, Miller converted a 22-yard field goal, and Brown added an 11-yard touchdown run. Fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Myles Derricott to Montrell Wright and Lyvarius Gilbert completed the scoring as the Panthers secured a 62–0 victory.

Rosales finished with 127 passing yards and two touchdown passes alongside his rushing score. Virginia Union produced 462 total yards, including 320 rushing yards, while its defense recorded the team’s third shutout of the season.

The result moved Virginia Union to 8–1 overall and 7–0 in CIAA competition. Lincoln fell to 1–8 overall and 1–6 in conference play, with a November 7 trip to Bowie State next on its schedule. The Lions left Philadelphia facing another opportunity to regroup, following a night that gave their university a prominent place in the city’s celebration of HBCU football and culture.

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Final Score: Virginia Union 62, Lincoln 0
Scoring by Quarter: Virginia Union — 10, 21, 17, 14 | Lincoln — 0, 0, 0, 0
Virginia Union Touchdowns: Ramon Brown (2); Zyaire Tart, Latrell Sutton, Raphael Tucker, RJ Rosales, Montrell Wright and Lyvarius Gilbert (1 each).
Kicking: Gage Miller — field goals of 37 and 22 yards; eight extra points.

CBS Philadelphia — Watch the two-minute report⁠ — a short feature on the evening at Lincoln Financial Field.