Rivalry Renewed: South Carolina State Bulldogs and North Carolina Central Eagles to Clash Friday Night in High-Stakes MEAC Battle
Durham, North Carolina – November 14, 2025 – The eagerly anticipated football rivalry between the South Carolina State Bulldogs and the North Carolina Central Eagles will take center stage Friday, November 14, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time in Durham. This pivotal matchup, now moved to a prime Friday night slot, will be nationally televised live on ESPN from O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, placing it directly before a major Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) showdown, thereby maximizing exposure for two of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) top contenders.
The stakes could not be higher. The winner of this near-century-old rivalry has often gone on to represent the MEAC in the Celebration Bowl, college football’s premier HBCU championship event. South Carolina State, the 2021 Celebration Bowl champion and preseason MEAC favorite, will be looking to reclaim dominance after a narrow 24-21 loss to North Carolina Central in last year’s showdown. Meanwhile, the Eagles, under head coach Trei Oliver, aim to capitalize on last season’s strong 8-3 record by edging South Carolina State for the conference crown and a coveted Atlanta bowl berth.
This rivalry traces its origins back to 1927, making it one of the longest-standing and most fiercely contested HBCU football series. The all-time series is nearly even, with North Carolina Central holding a slight 15-14 advantage, underscoring the evenly matched nature of these programs. Last year’s victory in Orangeburg served as a catalyst for the Eagles’ surge in MEAC football, and this new Friday night scheduling elevates the game to a marquee national event.
Coach Trei Oliver reflected on the move: “Playing on Friday night in front of a national audience on ESPN is exactly the kind of spotlight our players and our program deserve. It’s not just about football; it’s about sharing our culture, our bands, our schools’ rich traditions with the country. We’re ready to bring that energy to Durham.” South Carolina State Head Coach Oliver Pough also acknowledged the importance of the game: “This rivalry is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about pride, legacy, and representing our communities on a national stage. Friday night is our chance to show the world what MEAC football is all about.”
Statistically, both teams enter the contest as MEAC powerhouses. South Carolina State is favored to repeat as conference champions in the 2025 preseason poll by coaches and sports information directors, edging North Carolina Central by a narrow margin. The Bulldogs’ defense, historically a strength, will face a test against an Eagles offense that boasts dynamic playmakers and a balanced attack. Meanwhile, North Carolina Central’s national TV exposure begins early in the season with its August 23 opening game against the Southern Jaguars in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta, also televised nationally by ABC. This early spotlight builds momentum for the season as the Eagles seek to leverage their strong recruiting and coaching staff continuity.
The rescheduling to Friday aligns strategically with ESPN’s coverage of a major ACC game between Louisville and Clemson that evening. Placing the HBCU rivalry game just hours before a marquee FBS matchup creates a national spotlight for HBCU football, its athletes, marching bands, and cultural pageantry. This enhanced visibility is a testament to the growing appreciation and commercial potential for HBCU sports programs amid shifts in college athletics, including media rights expansions and increased NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for HBCU athletes.
Beyond football, the HBCU sports calendar remains robust in 2025. Basketball fans will be drawn to the upcoming HBCU All-Star Dream Classic at the historic Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem, New York, scheduled for August 9. This event brings together the nation’s top HBCU basketball talent across conferences such as the CIAA, MEAC, SIAC, and SWAC, with NBA scouts and international agents in attendance. The classic blends competitive showcase basketball with step shows, band performances, and the rich cultural heritage distinct to HBCUs.
Additionally, the path from HBCU athletics to professional sports continues to strengthen, as several football players from these programs are participating in NFL preseason games with hopes of securing roster spots. This ongoing talent pipeline reinforces the high level of competition and development occurring within HBCU programs despite historic underexposure in mainstream sports media.
Looking ahead, the South Carolina State vs. North Carolina Central matchup represents more than just a game. It encapsulates the essence of HBCU athletics—home to fierce competition, historic rivalries, cultural pride, and a growing national platform. For followers of MEAC football and HBCU sports in general, this Friday night showdown offers a spotlight on what decades of tradition and intensive athleticism have built: a vibrant, dynamic, and increasingly visible chapter in American sports.
Fans should mark their calendars for 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, November 14, and prepare for a deeply meaningful contest that could define the 2025 MEAC football season and bolster the legacy of two iconic HBCU programs.
Upcoming Games and Developments:
– August 23, 2025: North Carolina Central opens the season against Southern University in Atlanta, live on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET.
– November 14, 2025: South Carolina State vs. North Carolina Central at Durham’s O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, 5:00 p.m. ET, live on ESPN.
– Additional nationally televised games for North Carolina Central include matchups at Old Dominion (Sept. 6) and East Texas A&M (Sept. 27).
The 2025 football season promises to be a milestone moment for HBCU athletics, continuing a proud tradition of competition, culture, and community impact.