NCCU Football Skips Classics for First Time in 7 Years

Eagles to open 2026 season on the road against Texas Southern

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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North Carolina Central University's football team will not play in any Classic or special games during the 2026 season, marking the first time they've missed these events since 2019. Instead, the Eagles will open the season on the road against Texas Southern, continuing a recent trend of facing Southwestern Athletic Conference opponents.

Why it matters

NCCU's Classic and special game appearances have been a key part of their schedule in recent years, providing high-profile matchups and revenue opportunities. Skipping these events in 2026 represents a significant shift in the program's approach and could impact their visibility and finances.

The details

Head coach Trei Oliver announced the 2026 schedule, which features six home games at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium - the most since 2017. The home slate includes contests against Elizabeth City State, North Carolina A&T, Campbell, William & Mary, Howard, and Morgan State. The NCCU-NC A&T matchup returns to Durham on Sept. 12 for its 98th edition, as NCCU aims for a fifth straight victory over their rival. The Campbell game will be the athletics department's Hall of Fame matchup, while William & Mary will visit Durham for the first time as part of NCCU's Homecoming celebration.

  • NCCU will open the 2026 season on the road against Texas Southern.
  • The NCCU-NC A&T matchup will take place on Sept. 12, 2026 in Durham.
  • The Campbell game will be the athletics department's Hall of Fame matchup in 2026.
  • William & Mary will visit Durham as part of NCCU's Homecoming celebration in 2026.

The players

Trei Oliver

Head coach of the North Carolina Central University football team.

North Carolina Central University

A historically black university located in Durham, North Carolina, known for its successful football program.

Texas Southern

A historically black university located in Houston, Texas, that will face NCCU in the 2026 season opener.

North Carolina A&T

NCCU's long-time rival, a historically black university located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Campbell

A private university located in Buies Creek, North Carolina, that will face NCCU in a Hall of Fame matchup in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The matchup continues a recent trend for NCCU, marking the fifth straight season the team has faced a Southwestern Athletic Conference opponent.”

— Trei Oliver, Head Coach (hbcusports.com)

What’s next

The 2026 NCCU football schedule will be closely watched to see how the team performs without the high-profile Classic games they've become accustomed to in recent years.

The takeaway

NCCU's decision to skip the Classic games in 2026 represents a significant shift in the program's approach, potentially impacting their visibility and finances. However, the team's strong home schedule and continued rivalry with NC A&T suggest they are focused on building momentum within their conference and local community.