North Carolina Central enters a season without an established No. 1 quarterback for the first time since 2019.
For years, the answer at quarterback has been clear in Durham. Even if it wasn’t clear anywhere else in HBCU football.
From Davius Richard to Walker Harris, the Eagles have entered each season knowing who would lead the offense. Now, for the first time in more than five years, head coach Trei Oliver has a legitimate quarterback competition on his hands.
And with the 2026 season approaching, the biggest question surrounding North Carolina Central football is simple:
Who will be the next quarterback to lead the Eagles?
From Davius Richard to Walker Harris
Since 2019, North Carolina Central has been led by quarterbacks who left their mark on the program.
Davius Richard took over as a freshman in 2019 and immediately became the face of the Eagles’ offense. He threw for more than 2,000 yards as a freshman and helped North Carolina Central finish the season with a 4-9 record.
Richard’s career would eventually reach its peak in 2022.
The Eagles defeated Jackson State, led by Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, 41-34 in overtime to win the Celebration Bowl. The victory cemented Richards as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in North Carolina Central history.
After Richards’ departure, the Eagles turned to Walker Harris.
Known by his nickname, “Walker Texas Ranger,“ Harris was a left-handed passer who had patiently waited for his opportunity behind Richards. Once he became the starter, Harris developed into one of the top quarterbacks in the conference.
After a slow start to his junior season while adjusting to the starting role, Harris broke out during his senior campaign. He threw for more than 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns while earning second-team All-Conference honors. He also helped lead the Eagles to an 8-4 record.
Richard brought a Celebration Bowl championship to Durham. Harris followed with a 3,000-yard passing season and established himself as another productive quarterback in the Eagles’ recent history.
Now, North Carolina Central must find the next one.
Enter Nelson Layne and Joshua Jones
For the first time in years, North Carolina Central doesn’t have an obvious successor waiting in the wings. Instead, the Eagles have a two-man quarterback competition between Nelson Layne and Joshua Jones.
Layne is a freshman quarterback who arrives with experience from North Carolina A&T. During his time with the Aggies, Layne appeared in four games and recorded more than 200 passing yards and 153 rushing yards. He also helped North Carolina A&T secure a win over Hampton.
Jones, meanwhile, has followed the traditional North Carolina Central quarterback path. The junior has spent time behind previous Eagles quarterbacks while waiting for his opportunity. Although his playing time has been limited, Jones has seen action in multiple games and has accumulated 330 passing yards and three touchdowns during his career.
Now, both quarterbacks have a chance to take control of the offense. And according to Oliver, neither has been handed the job.
“Coming into camp, it’s been a battle. Very impressed with how all the guys have competed and bought in,” Oliver said.
The competition has already made an impression on the coaching staff. Oliver also credited offensive coordinator Barnett and former North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard, now the Eagles’ quarterback coach, for helping prepare the quarterbacks for the season.
“We’re going to go a couple more practices and see how things pan out,” Oliver said. “But right now it’s down to two: Josh Jones and Nelson Layne.”
The Decision Could Come Down to One Thing
While talent will obviously matter, Oliver made it clear that the quarterback battle will not simply be decided by arm strength or athletic ability.
Decision-making and ball security could determine who wins the job.
“Especially early in the season, it’s going to be about decision-making, and you’ve got to take care of the ball,” Oliver said. “I think whoever takes care of the ball the best and makes great decisions is going to be the one that’s going to help us win football games.”
That puts significant pressure on both Jones and Layne. North Carolina Central doesn’t necessarily need its next quarterback to duplicate Richard’s’ championship run or Harris’ 3,000-yard season immediately. The Eagles need someone they can trust.
Someone who can run the offense and make the right decision when the game is on the line. And most importantly, someone who can lead.
Oliver Hasn’t Had This Problem in Years
North Carolina Central is just days from its season opener and Trei Oliver hasn’t made a decision yet.
“This is my first year that we haven’t had a number one guy — a true number one — coming out of camp,” Oliver said.
Oliver also pushed back against the idea that preseason recognition should automatically determine who starts at quarterback. With only six teams in the conference and the transfer portal constantly changing rosters, preseason expectations can be misleading.
“Preseason selections, when you only have six teams with the transfer portal, really don’t hold a whole lot of weight,” Oliver said.
That could be especially important for Jones. As a returning player who has already seen meaningful snaps, he has experience within the Eagles’ system. However, Layne brings his own skill set and experience from North Carolina A&T.
The battle will ultimately be decided on the field.
Culture Comes Before Scheme
While the quarterback competition is one of the biggest storylines surrounding North Carolina Central, Oliver continues to emphasize something bigger than individual players.
Culture.
“Our motto here is culture over scheme,” Oliver said.
Oliver believes the Eagles have built a stronger and more mature team heading into the season. He also pointed to improved team chemistry and leadership as reasons for optimism.
“We have a much, much, much more mature team this year,” Oliver said. “I think the team chemistry will be a little bit better.”
That culture could be especially important for whoever wins the quarterback job. A first-time starter won’t just have to learn the offense. He’ll have to command a locker room that expects North Carolina Central to compete for championships.
The Next Chapter of North Carolina Central Football
North Carolina Central has become accustomed to having an answer at quarterback. Now, it is entering unfamiliar territory.
Nelson Layne has the athletic ability and experience to make the competition interesting. Joshua Jones has spent years learning the system and waiting for his opportunity. Only one can start the first game.
For North Carolina Central, the quarterback battle isn’t just about replacing the next player on the depth chart. It’s about finding the next leader of the program.
One of them must emerge between Monday and Saturday night’s game against Texas Southern in Houston.