WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem State University will be represented by Head Football Coach Tory Woodbury, defensive back Chancellor Smith and wide receiver/kick returner Jayden Grimes at the 2026 CIAA Football Media Day on Wednesday, July 15, at the Hilton Durham in Durham, North Carolina.
The annual event serves as the official kickoff to the 2026 CIAA football season, bringing together head coaches, student-athletes, conference leadership and media members to preview the upcoming year. Media Day will begin at 9:00 a.m. ET and will feature interviews, preseason predicted order of finish, Preseason All-Conference, and the release of information surrounding the 2026 football season.
Woodbury enters his first season leading the Rams and will take the stage as WSSU begins a new chapter to Restore the Standard under his direction. He will be joined by two experienced student-athletes who are expected to be key leaders for the Rams this fall.
Smith, a redshirt senior defensive back from Richmond, Virginia, played in all 10 games for Winston-Salem State during the 2025 season. He finished the year with 36 total tackles, including 20 solo stops, while adding three pass breakups and one interception.
Grimes, a graduate wide receiver and kick returner from Greenville, North Carolina, appeared in 10 games for the Rams while battling through injury. He totaled five receiving touchdowns, averaged 11.3 yards per catch and made an impact in the return game, averaging 32.8 yards per return on five kickoff returns.
In addition to Football Media Day, the CIAA will host events throughout the week to engage the Durham community and celebrate the conference's tradition of excellence. The week will include the CIAA® "Live the Legacy" Golf Tournament on Monday, July 13, at Hillandale Golf Course, and a free Youth Football Clinic on Tuesday, July 14, at Hillside High School for students entering grades 3 through 8.
For more information on CIAA Football Media Day or to follow live coverage, visit www.theciaa.com or follow @CIAASports on social media.
