A Rising Star Leads Fayetteville State to CIAA Glory

BALTIMORE, MD — In a stunning display of resilience and tactical brilliance, the Fayetteville State Broncos, led by their young and dynamic head coach Devin Hoehn, claimed the 2026 CIAA Men's Basketball Championship with a thrilling 71-68 victory over Bluefield State.

Hoehn, a mere 31 years old, has already left an indelible mark on HBCU basketball, and his journey to this championship triumph is a testament to his unwavering commitment to relationships, family, and the pursuit of excellence.

The road to this championship was not an easy one for Hoehn. In 2024, he led Bluefield State, a West Virginia HBCU program, to a stunning quarterfinal upset of defending champion Winston-Salem State, announcing the arrival of a rising star. The following year, Bluefield State reached the CIAA championship game, securing an NCAA Tournament bid and cementing Hoehn's reputation as a coach to watch.

When Hoehn was hired at Fayetteville State last spring, he brought the core of his successful Bluefield State team with him, leveraging the transfer portal to assemble a roster that was ready to finish the job.

"These guys trusted me," Hoehn said. "I remember literally recruiting both of these guys. The day I was there with Rel, the day I was there with Larry.



And to see it come to fruition now, I'm super happy for these guys."

That trust and teamwork were on full display as Fayetteville State overcame a daunting 28-14 deficit early in the game, leaning into their identity and refusing to be rattled by the championship pressure.

The CIAA championship game was a showcase of Hoehn's coaching acumen, as he outmaneuvered his former colleague, Luke D'Alessio, who had previously coached Fayetteville State. Hoehn's emphasis on experience and his players' unwavering commitment to the team's game plan proved to be the difference.

For Hoehn, this championship represents the culmination of a remarkable arc: hired at 27, tournament breakthrough at 29, NCAA bid at 30, and now CIAA champion at 31. From Bluefield State to Fayetteville State, the constant has been Hoehn's ability to inspire belief and build championship-caliber teams.

HBCUConnect's Perspective

Devin Hoehn's triumph at the CIAA tournament is a remarkable story that resonates deeply with the HBCU community. As the premier online destination for HBCU alumni and supporters, HBCUConnect.com is proud to showcase the incredible talent and potential within the HBCU coaching ranks. Hoehn's journey, from a young, up-and-coming coach to a championship-winning leader, serves as an inspiration to aspiring HBCU coaches and players alike.

This victory not only showcases Hoehn's strategic prowess and ability to build championship-caliber teams, but it also highlights the rich tradition of HBCU basketball and the dedication of these young coaches to elevating the game and their respective institutions. As Hoehn looks ahead to the NCAA Tournament, the HBCU community will be cheering him and the Fayetteville State Broncos on, eager to witness their continued success and the rising star that is Devin Hoehn.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.