Eagles Set to Open 2025 Season in MEAC/SWAC Challenge

ATLANTA, Ga. – North Carolina Central University football kicks off its 2025 campaign on Saturday, August 30, in the 20th annual Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off, squaring off against Southern University at Center Parc Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with national coverage on ABC.

The Match-Up
This will mark only the second-ever meeting between NCCU and Southern. The Eagles claimed the first contest back on Sept. 23, 2006, when they forced five interceptions en route to a 27-20 road win in Baton Rouge while competing as a Division II program.

Eagles vs. the SWAC
Since rejoining the MEAC in 2010, NCCU holds a 4-3 record against SWAC opponents. Head coach Trei Oliver has fared even better, going 4-1 against the conference, including last year’s Orange Blossom Classic victory over Alabama State. In 2025, the Eagles face two SWAC foes: Southern this weekend and Florida A&M on Oct. 11.

Strong Starts
NCCU owns a 47-51-1 all-time record in season openers but is 4-1 under Oliver, with four straight opening wins. That streak includes last year’s 31-24 triumph over Alabama State. For the third time in four years, the Eagles open on a neutral field.

Back in the Challenge
The Eagles are making their third appearance in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge. They defeated Alcorn State 24-14 in 2021 and fell to Prairie View A&M in 2018, entering Saturday with a 1-1 Challenge record. Overall, the MEAC leads the series 11-7.

Atlanta Success
Atlanta has been a winning stage for NCCU. The Eagles claimed the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl in overtime against No. 5 Jackson State and previously beat Alcorn State in the 2021 Challenge, both at Center Parc Stadium.

Scouting Southern
The Jaguars, led by second-year head coach Terreance Graves, are the preseason pick to win the SWAC West. Southern finished 8-5 (7-1 SWAC) last year before falling in the conference title game. Five Jaguars earned Preseason All-SWAC honors, including Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Chelky Givens.

Coaching Ties
Oliver, assistant head coach Matt Leone, and offensive line coach Macander Dieudonne each spent time on Southern’s staff earlier in their careers. Oliver (2016–18) served as safeties coach and defensive coordinator, while Leone worked four seasons mentoring all-time passing leader Austin Howard and guiding high-powered Jaguar offenses. Dieudonne coached Southern’s tight ends in 2019.

Non-Conference Strength
The Eagles are 18-12 in non-conference play under Oliver, including a 15-4 record over the past two-plus seasons. Notable victories include wins over No. 25 Elon (2023), No. 25 New Hampshire (2022), and No. 5 Jackson State (2022). This year, NCCU will face opponents from the SWAC, CAA, Sun Belt, CIAA, and Southland, with Old Dominion representing the team’s lone FBS test.

Players to Watch
Three Eagles are on the Stats Perform HBCU Player of the Year Watchlist: QB Walker Harris, DB Malcolm Reed, and OL Trevon Humphrey. All three were selected Preseason First Team All-MEAC, with Reed also earning Stats Perform Preseason All-American recognition.

Offensive Line Continuity
The Eagles return starters at every offensive line position — a rarity in today’s FCS football. Anchored by Preseason All-MEAC selections Noah McKinney and Trevon Humphrey, the unit looks to provide stability for Harris and veteran tight end Luke Bracey.

For more information on NCCU athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.