The 2026 North Carolina Central Eagles football schedule is set. North Carolina Central plays in the MEAC and runs a 12-game season. The Eagles open August 29 at Texas Southern. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 North Carolina Central Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: MEAC (FCS)
- Home stadium: O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, Durham, NC
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 5
- Opener: August 29 at Texas Southern
- Finale: November 21 vs Morgan State
2026 North Carolina Central Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | at Texas Southern | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | vs Elizabeth City State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs North Carolina A&T | Home (Aggie-Eagle Classic) | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at Gardner-Webb | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at East Carolina | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | vs Campbell | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 10 | vs William & Mary | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 24 | at Delaware State | Away | MEAC |
| Oct 31 | vs Howard | Home | MEAC |
| Nov 7 | at Norfolk State | Away | MEAC |
| Nov 14 | at South Carolina State | Away | MEAC |
| Nov 21 | vs Morgan State | Home | MEAC |
North Carolina Central opens the season August 29 at Texas Southern and closes the regular season November 21 vs Morgan State.
How the 2026 North Carolina Central Season Sets Up
North Carolina Central plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 7 non-conference dates and 5 MEAC games. The Eagles play 6 home games, and 6 on the road. North Carolina Central hosts North Carolina A&T on September 12 in the 98th Aggie-Eagle Classic, the marquee non-conference date on the schedule.
North Carolina Central, the MEAC Race, and the Celebration Bowl
The MEAC champion does not enter the 24-team FCS playoff. Instead the league winner plays in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champion, the recognized national title game of HBCU football. Because the MEAC is a straight round-robin, the title usually comes down to the final weekend. Follow it on our 2026 MEAC football schedule and standings page.
How to Watch North Carolina Central in 2026
North Carolina Central games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed in the weeks before kickoff, so bookmark this page and check back as the matchups firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does North Carolina Central open the 2026 season?
North Carolina Central opens the 2026 season August 29 at Texas Southern. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs Morgan State.
How many games do the Eagles play in 2026?
North Carolina Central plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 5 MEAC games.
Does the MEAC champion make the FCS playoffs?
No. The MEAC champion does not enter the FCS playoff. The league winner instead plays in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champion, the recognized national championship of HBCU football.
Is there a printable North Carolina Central schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 North Carolina Central schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch North Carolina Central football in 2026?
North Carolina Central games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 MEAC football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
