41-34. Overtime. 4th down at the 1-yard line. Jackson State, coached by Deion Sanders, needs a touchdown to tie the game. Fans on their feet, creating piercing noise echoing throughout Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Incomplete. Eagles win.
This was the scene at the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl, where North Carolina Central University’s football team spoiled Jackson State’s bid for an undefeated season and became the HBCU National Champions. That unforgettable moment still echos through Eagle Nation, and now, NCCU is ready to bring that same energy to the field in 2025.
In the heart of NCCU’s campus lies O’Kelly Riddick Stadium, home of the NCCU Eagles, who, led by Head Coach Trei Oliver, have established themselves as not only one of the top HBCU programs in the country but one of the best Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs in the country as well.
NCCU Football Over the Years
Trei Olivers heads into his sixth season as the Eagles’ head coach, leading the team to four consecutive winning seasons. As mentioned above, the highlight of his tenure was the Eagles victory over Jackson State in the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl. As a part of this historic season, the Eagles reached 17th in the final FCS rankings, which marked their highest ranking since becoming a Division I program in 2010.
To learn more, check out the Discover Durham podcast with Coach Oliver that goes in depth into the historic 2022 season.
In 2023, the Eagles continued to build on the success of the 2022 season. While they lost a MEAC tiebreaker and did not return to the Cricket Celebration Bowl, the Eagles continued to make history. With a strong 9-3 season, the Eagles were a mainstay in the FCS national rankings all-season long, reaching as high as a new program record seventh. The Eagles were rewarded for their strong season and earned a bid to the FCS playoffs for the first time in program history.
The Eagles wrapped up the 2024 season with an 8-3 overall record, continuing their strong performance in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with a 4-1 record in conference play. This marks the fourth straight season NCCU has finished with just one conference loss, who have established themselves as a mainstay at the top of the standings. Despite their success, the Eagles narrowly missed an MEAC title, finishing second behind South Carolina State.
2025 Season
For the 2025 season, the Eagles are projected to finish second in the MEAC, just behind South Carolina State. They will kick off their season on Saturday, August 23, in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Southern University at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The game will be broadcast live on ABC at 7:30 PM. In total, the Eagles will play five games at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium this year, including key matchups against Norfolk State, South Carolina State and Homecoming vs Delaware State on October 25. They will open their home slate against New Hampshire on Saturday, August 30 at 6 p.m.
Check out the full schedule and get your tickets today >
NCCU Homecoming
The Eagles will face off against Delaware State on October 25th at 1 p.m. for their highly anticipated homecoming game. At NCCU, homecoming is known as “The Ultimate Homecoming Experience.” This spirited week celebrates NCCU pride and rich HBCU culture, bringing together thousands of students and alumni for parades, tailgating, concerts, step shows, and more—all leading up to the big game at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
Get your tickets to Homecoming events here >
NCCU Sound Machine
The Sound Machine Marching Band is the heartbeat of NCCU Eagles Football and a must-see part of the game day experience. Their electrifying performances and high-energy halftime shows bring the stadium to life and ignite the crowd. With a proud legacy that includes performing at the North Carolina Governor’s Inauguration in 1961, the Sound Machine has showcased its talents across the country. In 2023, they made their debut at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, as well as defeating Mississippi Valley State University at the Circle City Battle of the Bands in Indianapolis. The band continues to make history while representing NCCU with pride!
Game Day Experience
Whether you’re coming in from out of town or are a local looking to check out a game, you’ll first want to explore the campus and its history. Stop by the statue honoring NCCU founder James Edward Shepard, as well as the Shepard House where he lived. Pay a visit to the NCCU Art Museum, which houses both students’ works, as well as original creations from many 20th century Black artists.
Throughout Fayetteville Street, you will find local favorites like the Chicken Hut, Durham’s second oldest restaurant, or Let’s Eat Soul Food, and stop in to Bull City Apparel and Customs for authentic Durham gear. Nearby you can also take a walk on the American Tobacco Trail to enjoy the nature, or stop by historic Hillside Park, with basketball courts that were refurbished by FILA USA and the Grant Hill Foundation and feature murals by a local Durham artist.
Learn more by reading Discover Durham’s guide to NCCU & Fayetteville Street >