College football returns in thrilling fashion on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with a primetime in-state matchup between the East Carolina Pirates and the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM ET, this Week 1 showdown will take place at the legendary Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina, in front of what’s expected to be a sellout crowd.
The 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State game carries more than just bragging rights. It’s a regional rivalry filled with passion, recruiting implications, and season momentum. As both teams look to set the tone for 2025, expect fireworks, physical play, and a playoff-like intensity under the Thursday night lights.
🗓️ Game Information: 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Carter–Finley Stadium, Raleigh, North Carolina
- TV Broadcast: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN App, FuboTV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV
Fans eager to jump back into college football will be tuning in for this battle between a rising ACC contender and a hungry American Athletic Conference (AAC) squad with upset intentions.
🏟️ Venue Spotlight: Carter–Finley Stadium
Home to NC State Wolfpack football since 1966, Carter–Finley Stadium is one of the loudest and most passionate environments in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Holding nearly 60,000 fans, it will be rocking with red and white on opening night.
For East Carolina, winning in Raleigh is no small task—but it’s been done before. The Pirates will try to recreate the magic of past upsets, while the Wolfpack aim to protect their turf and stake their claim in the ACC early.
🔍 Team Previews: 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State
North Carolina State Wolfpack: ACC Power Ready to Reignite
The Wolfpack, led by longtime head coach Dave Doeren, enter the 2025 season with renewed optimism following a strong 9–4 campaign in 2024. With key transfers, returning stars, and a stout defense, NC State looks to challenge for the ACC title and potentially more.
- Quarterback: Sophomore MJ Morris takes full command of the offense. A dual-threat with poise and arm talent, Morris is expected to thrive in his first full year as a starter.
- Running Game: Veteran RB Jordan Houston returns, bringing versatility and pass-catching ability.
- Wideouts: Keyon Lesane and Terrell Timmons Jr. will stretch the field, while TE Trent Pennix provides red-zone firepower.
- Defense: Anchored by All-ACC LB Payton Wilson and safety Jakeen Harris, this defense allowed under 21 PPG last season and looks even better on paper.
East Carolina Pirates: Rebuilding with Bite in the AAC
Despite a 5–7 record in 2024, the East Carolina Pirates, under head coach Mike Houston, remain a dangerous opponent with a proud tradition and a chip on their shoulder. With several new faces, especially on offense, 2025 is a fresh start — and they’d love to shock the nation with a Week 1 upset.
- Quarterback: Transfer QB Tyler Jefferson steps in from Florida A&M. A powerful runner and improving passer, he’ll be crucial in leading ECU’s revamped offense.
- Skill Players: RB Rahjai Harris returns healthy, while WR Kerry King is the top target downfield.
- Defense: DT Elijah Morris and LB Teylor Jackson anchor a physical, gritty unit that will try to slow NC State’s tempo.
⚔️ Key Matchups in 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State
MJ Morris vs. ECU’s Secondary
With a full offseason as QB1, MJ Morris is expected to take a huge leap. ECU’s defensive backs struggled in 2024 and will have their hands full with NC State’s deep receiver corps.
Tyler Jefferson vs. NC State Front Seven
The Wolfpack bring relentless pressure from multiple fronts. Jefferson must remain calm and make quick reads. His legs will be key in extending drives and keeping NC State honest.
Jordan Houston vs. ECU Linebackers
Houston’s dual-threat skillset makes him a mismatch against linebackers. East Carolina’s defense must be disciplined in tackling and coverage.
Special Teams Edge
NC State’s special teams have historically been strong under Doeren, while ECU has a new kicker and punter duo. Field position could become a game-defining factor.
📈 Betting Odds & Prediction: 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State
Opening Line: NC State -17.5
Over/Under: 54.5
ATS Pick: NC State -17.5
While East Carolina is tough, the Wolfpack’s depth, talent, and home-field advantage should be too much. Expect a late score to push NC State beyond the spread.
Total Points Pick: Over 54.5
Both teams should score early and often. NC State’s explosive offense paired with ECU’s aggressive, big-play style suggests this game will go over.
⭐ Players to Watch: 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State
MJ Morris – QB, NC State
Dynamic and composed, Morris has all the tools to be one of the top ACC quarterbacks this year. This game is a perfect proving ground.
Tyler Jefferson – QB, East Carolina
A strong, mobile quarterback making his FBS debut. Jefferson’s performance could determine whether ECU keeps this game close.
Payton Wilson – LB, NC State
One of the best defenders in the country, Wilson’s sideline-to-sideline range and leadership make him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Rahjai Harris – RB, East Carolina
If healthy, Harris brings power and patience to ECU’s run game. He’ll need to get downhill early and keep the clock moving.
Keyon Lesane – WR, NC State
A fast, shifty playmaker, Lesane has breakout potential in 2025. Watch for deep shots early.
🧠 Coaching Matchup: Dave Doeren vs. Mike Houston
- Dave Doeren: With over a decade at NC State, Doeren has elevated the program’s national profile and consistently develops NFL-ready talent.
- Mike Houston: A former FCS national champion with James Madison, Houston has steadily rebuilt ECU into a dangerous AAC program, even during down years.
This coaching matchup pits ACC stability against Group of Five hunger. Both coaches value physicality, discipline, and game control.
📊 Team Trends Entering Week 1
NC State Wolfpack (2024 Recap)
- Record: 9–4
- Defense: Allowed 20.6 PPG
- Bowl: Gator Bowl victory over Missouri
- 5–2 home record
- Returning 14 starters
East Carolina Pirates (2024 Recap)
- Record: 5–7
- Offense: 23.4 PPG
- 2–4 in AAC play
- 4–3 home, 1–4 away
- Replacing 6 offensive starters
🔢 Rivalry History & Series Notes
- All-Time Series: NC State leads 19–13
- Last Meeting: 2022 – NC State won 21–20 in Greenville
- Streak: NC State has won 3 of the last 4 matchups
- First Meeting: 1970
- Closest Game: ECU nearly upset NC State in 2022 after a missed field goal in the final seconds
This is one of the most underrated in-state rivalries in college football. While not played annually, the 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State game always carries extra weight in the Tar Heel State.
❓ FAQs: 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State
When is the game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET.
Where is it being played?
Carter–Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC.
Is it a conference matchup?
No. NC State is in the ACC; ECU is in the AAC.
Who are the starting quarterbacks?
NC State: MJ Morris
East Carolina: Tyler Jefferson
What channel is the game on?
ESPN
Can I stream it live?
Yes. Available via ESPN App, FuboTV, Hulu Live, and YouTube TV.
Who’s favored to win?
NC State is currently favored by 17.5 points.
Any recent upsets in the series?
Yes. ECU upset NC State in 2016 in Greenville, and nearly did it again in 2022.
🏁 Final Score Prediction: NC State 38, East Carolina 20
Expect NC State to come out fast and aggressive, using their depth and talent to take control early. East Carolina will fight hard, and Jefferson’s mobility could keep them within reach, but in the end, the Wolfpack will impose their will at the line of scrimmage and finish strong.
Key Factors:
- MJ Morris’ leadership
- NC State’s linebacker corps
- East Carolina’s ability to convert on third down
- Special teams field position
This could be one of the most entertaining Week 1 matchups on the Thursday night slate, especially if ECU starts hot or forces early mistakes.
📌 Why You Should Watch 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State
- In-State Showdown: Regional rivalries are built for primetime
- Dynamic QBs: Both Morris and Jefferson are electric
- Physical, Old-School Football: Two tough programs built on grit
- Potential Upset Alert: ECU has history on its side
- Power Five vs. Group of Five Drama: Can the underdog steal the spotlight?
For fans of passionate college football, hard hits, and real rivalries, the 🏈 East Carolina at North Carolina State opener is must-watch TV.
East Carolina at North Carolina State