NCCU Eagles Announce 2026 Football Schedule
DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University head football coach Trei Oliver announced the Eagles’ 2026 football schedule on Wednesday, a slate that includes six home games, a first since the 2017 football season.
For the first time since the 2019 season, the Eagles will not play in a classic or any other special game.
They will instead open the season on the road for the third consecutive season when they travel to Houston, Texas, to face Texas Southern University for the first time in program history. This marks the fifth consecutive season in which NCCU will face a team from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
In all, the Eagles will play at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium six times in 2026. Among the opponents will be an old CIAA opponent in Elizabeth City State, which will come to campus in early September.
Then, the Eagles will also play host to North Carolina A&T, Campbell and William & Mary, before welcoming Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) foes Howard and Morgan State to campus this year.
The 98th installment of the Aggie-Eagle Classic will take place in Durham this year, on Sept. 12, as the Eagles look to claim their fifth consecutive win in the historic series.
Campbell will serve as the Hall of Fame game for the athletics department. In addition, NCCU will host William & Mary for the first time in program history, celebrating Homecoming as alumni and friends return to celebrate.
2026 North Carolina Central Football Schedule
Home games BOLDED; conference games marked *
All games on Saturdays unless otherwise noted
- Aug. 29: at Texas Southern
- Sept. 5: vs. ELIZABETH CITY STATE
- Sept. 12: vs. NORTH CAROLINA A&T
- Sept. 19: at Gardner-Webb
- Sept. 26: at East Carolina
- Oct. 3: vs. CAMPBELL
- Oct. 10: vs. WILLIAM & MARY (Homecoming)
- Oct. 24: at Delaware State*
- Oct. 31: vs. HOWARD*
- Nov. 7: at Norfolk State*
- Nov. 14: at South Carolina State*
- Nov. 21: MORGAN STATE*
A complete list of gameday designations for the 2026 season will be announced at a later date, along with all kickoff times and broadcast information.
Tickets and parking for the 2026 North Carolina Central football season are currently on sale for renewals through April 30.