Where They Stand
North Carolina Central sits 2-3 at the quarter pole of a demanding 2026, and Trei Oliver's seventh team is still finding itself. The Eagles opened with a 42-30 loss at Texas Southern, then swept Elizabeth City State (27-6) and archrival North Carolina A&T (30-22) — the fifth straight win in the 98th edition of that rivalry — before dropping road games at Gardner-Webb and East Carolina. Freshman quarterback Nelson Layne has flashed real dual-threat ability, earning MEAC Rookie of the Week in his debut with 131 passing and 116 rushing yards.
The next two weeks at O'Kelly–Riddick Stadium set the tone: No. 18 Campbell on October 3, then homecoming against William & Mary on October 10 — the most home dates for NCCU since 2017. After a bye, the season becomes a five-game MEAC grind: road trips to Delaware State, Norfolk State and defending champion South Carolina State, with Howard and Morgan State at home. Receiver Chance Peterson, the MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and a defense that has forced four turnovers twice already will decide whether the Eagles are contenders or spoilers.
The Story of North Carolina Central Eagles
North Carolina Central football dates to 1922, and the Eagles built their first dynasty in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, winning eight CIAA championships — including back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, the latter bringing a Black college national championship and a Division II playoff run. The program moved up to Division I FCS in 2011 and rejoined the MEAC, where it quickly re-established itself as a power.
The modern golden era belongs to the mid-2010s and early 2020s. NCCU won or shared four MEAC championships between 2014 and 2022, and the 2016 team reached the Celebration Bowl. Then came 2022: quarterback Davius Richard — the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year — and defensive back Khalil Baker — the Defensive Player of the Year — led the Eagles to a 10-2 season capped by a 41-34 overtime classic over Deion Sanders' Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl, delivering the program's second Black college national championship.
The Aggie–Eagle rivalry with North Carolina A&T is one of the great HBCU rivalries in any sport — 98 meetings and counting, with NCCU riding a five-game winning streak. O'Kelly–Riddick Stadium in Durham has been a fortress under Trei Oliver, unbeaten at home in both 2022 and 2023. The Eagles' charge is simple and stated: get back to Atlanta in December.
Past Coaches
All-Time Team
Davius Richard
2022 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year; led the 10-2 Celebration Bowl champions; Walter Payton Award finalist.
Khalil Baker
2022 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year on the Celebration Bowl title team.
Doug Wilkerson
Three-time Pro Bowler; started every game for 14 seasons at left guard for the Chargers' Air Coryell offense.
Louis Breeden
Nine-year Bengal; 33 career interceptions in Cincinnati's secondary.
Robert Massey
Pro Bowl cornerback with the Cardinals and Saints.
Ernie Warlick
AFL All-Star tight end with the Buffalo Bills.
Names to Know
Nelson Layne
Freshman; MEAC Rookie of the Week in his debut — 131 passing, 116 rushing yards at Texas Southern.
Chance Peterson
MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year; first 100-yard game vs. Elizabeth City State.
Brendon Wyatt
Four catches in the Texas Southern opener.
Plez Lawrence
Rushing touchdown vs. Gardner-Webb.
Zion Dobson
Rushing touchdown vs. Gardner-Webb.
Joshua Maxwell
Senior; first interception of 2026 vs. Elizabeth City State.
Brandon Sanders
Senior; forced and recovered a fumble vs. Elizabeth City State.
Joshua Truesdale
Sophomore; 17 tackles vs. Gardner-Webb.
Riley Daniels
Freshman; a field goal in all five games to open 2026 — long of 39.
Past Seasons
Season Stats
| Season | Record | Conference | Finish | Head coach | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8–4 | 4–2 MEAC | 3rd | Trei Oliver | |
| 2024 | 8–3 | 4–1 MEAC | 2nd | Trei Oliver | |
| 2023 | 9–3 | 4–1 MEAC | T–1st | Trei Oliver | FCS playoffs — first round |
Schedule
Team News
Eagles returning home to face No. 18/24 Campbell
NCCU looks to rebound at O'Kelly–Riddick Stadium after forcing four turnovers at East Carolina.
Read the story →Eagles to open home slate against Elizabeth City State
Freshman QB Nelson Layne's debut: 131 passing and 116 rushing yards, MEAC Rookie of the Week.
Read the story →North Carolina Central unveils 2026 football slate
Twelve games, six at home — the most home dates since 2017 — and a five-game MEAC grind to close.
Read the story →MEAC Players of the Year both from NC Central
Davius Richard and Khalil Baker sweep the 2022 MEAC honors on the way to the Celebration Bowl title.
Read the story →