East Carolina University (ECU), football has added two HBCUs to its schedule.
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in 2026 and Norfolk State University in 2030 have been added, according to FBSchedules.com.
East Carolina University football last played an HBCU in 2018 when it lost to North Carolina A&T. East Carolina fell to NC A&T during a home game in 2018 at Dowdey-Ficklen Stadium, losing 28-23.
The games against Norfolk State University on August 31st, 2024 and 2030 will be the first of those seasons. The East Carolina -NCCU game will be the game to open the 2026 season on September 5th.
East Carolina football’s position in the AAC places them against tougher opponents, impacting their season performance metrics and win-loss records. The East Carolina Pirates football team’s record for the 2023 season was 2—10 overall and 1—7 in conference play. Despite a difficult season, it displayed defensive capabilities and improving offensive strategies.
The NCCU Eagles, competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), have consistently performed well in recent years with a 9-3 overall and 4-1 conference play record for the 2023 season. It became the latest of two HBCUs (NC A&T) from the MEAC to have competed in the FCS playoffs with an at-large bid since the formation of the Celebration Bowl.
Non-conference and conference games have been tougher for Norfolk State University, especially affecting it’s season outcomes. It concluded it’s 2023 season 1-4 conference and 3-8 overall. NSU will be paid $350k for the 2024 game against East Carolina football, according to FBSchedules.com.