You've gotta understand something about HBCU football. It isn’t just about the box score. When you talk about North Carolina Central vs South Carolina State, you’re talking about a decades-old "backyard dog fight" that basically decides who gets to represent the MEAC on the national stage.
Honestly, if you weren’t watching on October 31, 2024, or the recent rematch in November 2025, you missed some of the grittiest football in the FCS. These two schools don’t just play; they collide.
Why This Rivalry Still Matters
Most people think rivalries are built on hate. This one is built on respect and the crushing weight of high stakes. For three of the last four seasons, the winner of this game has basically punched their ticket to the Celebration Bowl. That’s the HBCU national championship.
Last season, on November 14, 2025, the Bulldogs walked into O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham and pulled off a 34-27 thriller. It wasn't pretty. It was emotional. Chennis Berry, the South Carolina State head coach, and Trei Oliver for NCCU, shared a hug afterward that told the whole story. Two titans. One winner.
The Bulldogs are the reigning MEAC champs for a reason. They have this "championship resolve" that's hard to break. Even when NCCU’s offense starts clicking, the Bulldogs find a way to stabilize.
The Numbers That Actually Count
Forget the "average points per game" for a second. Let's look at the head-to-head history. Since 2011, South Carolina State holds a slight 15-14 edge. It’s that close.
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In the 2025 matchup, the game saw 761 yards of total offense. That’s insane. There were five lead changes. South Carolina State opened with a 50-yard field goal, then NCCU answered with a 41-yarder. Then, the Bulldogs dropped two "touchdown bombs" in the final seconds of the first quarter. One was a 28-yard strike, followed immediately by a 51-yarder as the clock hit zero.
Talk about a gut punch.
Basketball: The Battle on the Hardwood
While football gets the ESPN2 spotlights, the North Carolina Central vs South Carolina State basketball games are where things get really personal.
Recently, on January 17, 2026, NCCU had a rough night against Howard, but all eyes are already looking ahead to the March 5, 2026, showdown against the Bulldogs. If you're following the MEAC standings, you know these two are often neck-and-neck for tournament seeding.
Key Players to Watch in 2026
- Gage Lattimore (NCCU): The kid is a walking bucket. He’s been leading the MEAC in scoring, averaging around 18.7 points.
- Tekao Carpenter (NCCU): If he gets hot from three, it’s game over. He recently dropped 21 against Howard, even when the rest of the team was struggling.
- Dionte Johnson (NCCU): The floor general. He’s currently leading the league in assists with about 5.5 per game.
- Mitchell Taylor (SCSU): A beast in the paint who can also hit the mid-range.
The last time these two met in the 2025-26 season cycle, it was a physical mess—in a good way. NCCU pulled out an 82-77 win in January 2025, led by Po'Boigh King’s 25 points. But South Carolina State flipped the script in the MEAC Tournament, knocking the Eagles out with an 88-67 blowout.
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The Eagles are currently sitting at 7-12 overall (3-1 in the MEAC) as of mid-January 2026. They're hungry. They’re "sorta" in a rebuilding phase but still dangerous.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think the "big" schools in the Power 5 are the only places where you see elite coaching. Wrong.
Trei Oliver has turned NCCU into a perennial contender. Across the field, Chennis Berry has brought a new energy to Orangeburg. These guys aren't just coaching plays; they're building cultures.
Another misconception? That it’s just a "regional" thing. When this game got flexed to a Friday night on ESPN2 in 2025, the national ratings were through the roof. People want to see fast, physical football. They want to see the bands. They want the atmosphere of a "Backyard Dog Fight."
The Cultural Impact
You can't talk about North Carolina Central vs South Carolina State without mentioning the "Sound Machine" and the "Marching 101." The halftime show is just as competitive as the four quarters of football.
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In December 2025, South Carolina State became the first HBCU to have its flag raised over the State House in Columbia. That tells you everything you need to know about what these programs mean to their states. They aren't just teams; they're institutions.
Coaching Philosophies
Trei Oliver is a defensive guy at heart. He wants to stifle you. He wants his Eagles to fly to the ball and make every yard feel like a mile.
On the other side, the Bulldogs under Berry have shown a bit more offensive flair lately. Those "bombs" we talked about in the 2025 game? That’s the new SCSU. They’re aggressive. They take shots.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're looking to follow this rivalry or maybe even place a small wager on the next matchup, keep these things in mind:
- Home Field is Real: O’Kelly-Riddick (NCCU) and Oliver C. Dawson (SCSU) are loud. The home team has a significant advantage in these close-margin games.
- Watch the Turnovers: In the recent 2025 football game, the momentum swings were almost entirely dictated by who took care of the ball in the red zone.
- Basketball Pace: NCCU likes to run. They lead the MEAC in free throw percentage (around 73%) and scoring (73.0 PPG). If SCSU can slow the game down and make it a half-court battle, they usually win.
- Next Game: Mark your calendars for March 5, 2026. That basketball game in Durham is going to be a sellout. Tickets are usually cheap ($5-$15), but they go fast.
The rivalry between North Carolina Central and South Carolina State is the heartbeat of the MEAC. It’s a story of two programs that refuse to be overlooked. Whether it's on the turf or the hardwood, expect a fight. Every. Single. Time.
Check the MEAC official site or the school athletic pages (NCCUEaglePride.com and SCSUAthletics.com) for the most updated ticket availability for the March showdown. If you're attending the basketball game in Durham, get there at least an hour early; the line at McDougald-McLendon Arena is no joke.