The 2025 ECU football schedule is out, and it’s a doozy. The Pirates will open the season at home against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on August 30th. The following week, they’ll travel to Raleigh to take on the NC State Wolfpack, their first ACC opponent of the season. ECU will then host the USF Bulls before traveling to Greenville to face the East Carolina Pirates. The Pirates will then host the Virginia Cavaliers before traveling to Atlanta to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
The Pirates will then have their first bye week of the season. When they return, they’ll travel to Charlottesville to face the Virginia Cavaliers. The following week, they’ll host the Temple Owls before traveling to Chestnut Hill to take on the Boston College Eagles. ECU will then host the Duke Blue Devils before traveling to Chapel Hill to face the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Pirates will then close out the regular season at home against the Syracuse Orange.
The 2025 ECU football schedule is a tough one, but it’s also an exciting one. The Pirates have a chance to make a statement in the ACC and earn a bowl berth. With a talented roster and a favorable schedule, the Pirates have the potential to have a special season in 2025.
ECU Football: A New Era Begins
A Fresh Start with Head Coach Mike Houston
ECU football welcomes a new era under the leadership of Head Coach Mike Houston. Houston arrives in Greenville with a reputation for building winning programs, having led James Madison University to two Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championships. His infectious enthusiasm and commitment to player development have already sparked excitement among ECU fans. Houston’s vision for ECU is to create a championship-caliber program built on a foundation of discipline, teamwork, and relentless effort. He believes that the Pirates have the potential to compete at the highest level and is eager to guide them towards success.
Houston’s staff is a blend of experienced coaches and rising stars. Defensive coordinator Blake Harrell brings a wealth of knowledge from his time at Arkansas and Ole Miss, while offensive coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick has a proven track record of developing successful offenses at Toledo and Elon. These coaches, along with a talented roster that includes several key returning players, have the potential to make a significant impact on ECU football.
The Pirates will open their 2025 season at home against the NC State Wolfpack, a perennial ACC contender. This early-season test will be a valuable barometer of ECU’s progress under Houston. The schedule also includes non-conference matchups against Appalachian State, Liberty, and UT Martin, as well as a challenging slate of American Athletic Conference games.
Key Players to Watch
ECU’s success in 2025 will depend on several key players, including:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Holton Ahlers |
| Running Back | Rahjai Harris |
| Wide Receiver | C.J. Donaldson |
| Linebacker | Bruce Bivens |
| Safety | Ja’Quan McMillian |
These players, along with the rest of the ECU roster, will be looking to make a statement in 2025 and help the Pirates compete for an American Athletic Conference Championship.
Promising Outlook for the Future
The future of ECU football looks bright under Head Coach Mike Houston. With a talented roster, a strong coaching staff, and a renewed sense of optimism, the Pirates are poised to make a run at the AAC title and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in college football.
The American Athletic Conference Challenge
The ECU Pirates will face an exciting challenge in the 2025 season with the addition of three American Athletic Conference (AAC) opponents to their schedule. This will provide the Pirates with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the top teams in the Group of Five and prepare for their move to the Big 12 Conference in 2023.
Cincinnati Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats are one of the top teams in the AAC, having won the conference championship in 2021 and 2022. They have a talented offense led by quarterback Evan Prater and running back Corey Kiner. Their defense is also strong, led by linebacker Deshawn Pace and defensive end Jabari Taylor. The Pirates will have their hands full when they travel to Cincinnati on September 13th.
SMU Mustangs
The SMU Mustangs are another up-and-coming team in the AAC. They won 8 games in 2022 and finished the season ranked in the top 25. They have a high-powered offense led by quarterback Tanner Mordecai and running back Tre Siggers. Their defense is also solid, led by linebacker Isaac Slade-Matautia and defensive end Nelson Paul. The Pirates will host the Mustangs on October 4th.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane are a middle-of-the-pack team in the AAC. They finished the 2022 season with a 5-7 record. They have a balanced offense led by quarterback Davis Brin and running back Shamari Brooks. Their defense is also solid, led by linebacker Justin Wright and defensive end Jaxon Player. The Pirates will travel to Tulsa on October 25th.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 13th | Cincinnati Bearcats | Cincinnati, OH |
| October 4th | SMU Mustangs | Greenville, NC |
| October 25th | Tulsa Golden Hurricane | Tulsa, OK |
Key Home Games
The ECU Pirates will host a challenging slate of home games in 2025, including matchups against several Power Five opponents. Here are some of the key home games on the Pirates’ 2025 schedule:
North Carolina State (September 6)
The Pirates will open their home schedule against in-state rival North Carolina State. The Wolfpack are coming off an 8-5 season and a win over Kentucky in the Gator Bowl. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2015.
West Virginia (September 20)
The Pirates will host West Virginia for the first time since 2013. The Mountaineers are coming off a 6-7 season in 2022 and will be looking to make a statement against the Pirates in Greenville.
Virginia Tech (October 18)
The Pirates will face another ACC opponent in Virginia Tech on October 18. The Hokies are coming off a 6-7 season in 2022 and will be looking to bounce back in 2025. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2020.
Cincinnati (November 15)
The Pirates will host Cincinnati in the regular-season finale on November 15. The Bearcats are coming off a 9-4 season and a win over Louisville in the Fenway Bowl. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2021.
Road Trips to Remember
A Trip to the ACC’s Heart
ECU will venture to Raleigh, North Carolina, to face NC State on September 20. The Wolfpack are coming off an 8-4 season and are looking to make a run at the ACC Championship. This game will be a tough test for the Pirates, but it will also be a great opportunity to show what they can do against one of the top teams in the conference.
A Trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains
ECU will travel to Blacksburg, Virginia, to face Virginia Tech on October 4. The Hokies are coming off a disappointing 5-7 season, but they are always a tough opponent at home. This game will be a good chance for the Pirates to prove that they can compete with the best teams in the ACC.
A Trip to the Sunshine State
ECU will travel to Orlando, Florida, to face UCF on October 11. The Knights are coming off an 8-4 season and are looking to make a run at the AAC Championship. This game will be a tough test for the Pirates, but it will also be a great opportunity to show what they can do against one of the top teams in the AAC.
A Trip to the Lone Star State
ECU will travel to Houston, Texas, to face Houston on October 25. The Cougars are coming off a 12-2 season and are looking to make a run at the AAC Championship. This game will be a tough test for the Pirates, but it will also be a great opportunity to show what they can do against one of the top teams in the AAC.
A Trip to the Emerald Isle
ECU will travel to Dublin, Ireland, to face Navy on August 29. This will be the first time that the Pirates have ever played a game outside of the United States. The game will be played at Aviva Stadium, which is the home of the Irish national soccer team. This game will be a great opportunity for the Pirates to showcase their program on a global stage.
| Game | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| NC State | September 20 | Raleigh, NC |
| Virginia Tech | October 4 | Blacksburg, VA |
| UCF | October 11 | Orlando, FL |
| Houston | October 25 | Houston, TX |
| Navy | August 29 | Dublin, Ireland |
Non-Conference Matchups
ECU Opens with UNC; Travels to Old Dominion
ECU will open the 2025 season with a non-conference matchup against in-state rival North Carolina at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The Pirates will then travel to Norfolk, Virginia, to face Old Dominion in their second non-conference game.
Home Contests Feature Campbell, VMI
ECU will host two more non-conference opponents at home in 2025. Campbell University will come to Greenville for a game on September 13th, followed by a matchup against VMI on September 20th.
ECU Makes Trip to West Virginia
The Pirates will take a road trip to Morgantown, West Virginia, to face the West Virginia Mountaineers on September 27th. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2019.
Pirates Host Appalachian State in AAC Opener
ECU will return from their trip to West Virginia to host Appalachian State on October 4th in their American Athletic Conference opener. The Mountaineers are a former FCS powerhouse that has been a member of the FBS since 2014.
ECU’s 2025 Non-Conference Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 30th | North Carolina | Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium |
| September 6th | Old Dominion | S.B. Ballard Stadium |
| September 13th | Campbell | Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium |
| September 20th | VMI | Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium |
| September 27th | West Virginia | Milan Puskar Stadium |
| October 4th | Appalachian State | Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium |
Week 7: SMU
The Pirates will face their first American Athletic Conference opponent of the season in week 7 when they travel to Dallas to take on the SMU Mustangs. The Mustangs are coming off a 7-6 season in 2022 and are looking to make a run at the AAC championship game this year. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the conference and will be a tough test for the ECU defense. The Pirates will need to be at their best to come away with a victory in this one.
Key Matchup: ECU’s passing attack vs. SMU’s pass defense
ECU’s passing attack has been one of the most prolific in the country in recent years, and they will face a tough test against SMU’s pass defense, which ranked 24th in the nation in pass efficiency defense last season. Quarterback Holton Ahlers will need to be on top of his game and find open receivers against a talented SMU secondary. If the Pirates can get their passing game going, they will be in a good position to win this game.
X-Factor: ECU’s running game
ECU’s running game has been a bit of a question mark in recent years, but they will need to be able to run the ball effectively against SMU. The Mustangs have a stout front seven, so the Pirates will need to find ways to create running lanes for their backs. If the Pirates can get their running game going, it will take some of the pressure off Ahlers and the passing game.
Prediction: ECU 31, SMU 27
This game is a toss-up, but I think the Pirates will be able to pull out a close victory. ECU has a more experienced team and they have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. If the Pirates can play to their potential, they will be a tough team to beat.
Highlight Games to Watch Out For
8. ECU versus NC State
The Pirates will face off against the Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium on September 20th, 2025. This matchup marks the first time ECU and NC State have met since 2016. NC State enters the game as a slight favorite, having won six of the last eight meetings between the two schools. However, ECU has shown signs of improvement under head coach Mike Houston and will be looking to make a statement against their in-state rivals. With both teams expected to be competitive, this game is sure to be a hard-fought battle.
| Team | Location | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECU | Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC | September 20th, 2025 | TBD | TBD |
The Wolfpack will enter the 2025 season with a new-look offense led by quarterback MJ Morris. Morris, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound sophomore, impressed in his limited playing time during the 2022 season. He completed 90% of his passes for 786 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions.
ECU, on the other hand, will look to continue its recent success on defense. The Pirates have allowed an average of just 23.1 points per game over the last two seasons. They will need to be at their best to contain the high-powered NC State offense.
This is a great opportunity for ECU to prove themselves against a Power Five opponent. A win over NC State would be a major statement for Houston’s program and could help the Pirates reach a bowl game in 2025.
ECU’s Home Field Advantage
Pirate Stadium has been a formidable fortress for the Pirates over the years, with ECU boasting an impressive home record. The stadium’s unique atmosphere, passionate fans, and intimidating noise levels have made it a challenging venue for visiting teams.
Unwavering Pirate Nation Support
ECU’s passionate fan base, known as Pirate Nation, creates an electric atmosphere at Pirate Stadium. The roaring crowd provides unwavering support for the Pirates, making it difficult for opponents to maintain composure and execute their game plans.
The Blackbeard Effect
ECU’s mascot, Blackbeard, is a legendary figure in pirate lore and a symbol of the university’s strength and spirit. Blackbeard’s presence at home games energizes the crowd and instills a sense of pride and camaraderie among the Pirates.
The Dowdy-Ficklen Fortress
Pirate Stadium, commonly referred to as Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a comfortable and modern experience for fans. However, its true strength lies in its intimacy. The stadium’s proximity to the field creates a deafening atmosphere that can unnerve opponents and boost the Pirates’ momentum.
The East Carolina Experience
Beyond the stadium itself, ECU offers a unique and memorable experience for visiting teams. The university’s welcoming environment, vibrant campus culture, and charming community create a positive and memorable atmosphere for all who attend games at Pirate Stadium.
Historical Success at Home
ECU’s home field advantage has translated into consistent success over the years. The Pirates have compiled an impressive home record, often defeating ranked opponents and securing crucial victories in conference play.
Breaking Down ECU’s Home Advantage
To truly understand the extent of ECU’s home field advantage, let’s examine some key statistics:
| Home Record | Winning Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4-1 | |
| 2022 | 5-2 | |
| 2023 | 6-1 |
Season Predictions and Expectations
The 2025 ECU football schedule is set to be a challenging one, with the Pirates facing off against several Power Five opponents. However, the Pirates have a talented team with a lot of experience, and they are hoping to make a run at a bowl game in 2025.
Key Games
The Pirates will have several key games on their schedule in 2025, including:
- September 6: at North Carolina
- September 13: vs. NC State
- October 4: at UCF
- October 11: vs. Houston
- October 25: at Temple
- November 1: vs. Navy
- November 8: at SMU
- November 15: vs. Tulane
- November 22: at Memphis
Season Outlook
The Pirates are hoping to make a run at a bowl game in 2025, and they have the talent to do it. The Pirates have a lot of experience on both sides of the ball, and they are led by a strong coaching staff. However, the Pirates will need to stay healthy and avoid injuries in order to reach their goals.
10. Key Players
The Pirates have several key players who will need to step up in 2025, including:
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Holton Ahlers | Quarterback |
| Rahjai Harris | Running back |
| Javon Smallwood | Wide receiver |
| Gerard Stringer | Defensive end |
| Ja’Quan McMillian | Linebacker |
2025 ECU Football Schedule
The 2025 ECU Football Schedule is out, and it includes some exciting matchups. The Pirates will open the season at home against Appalachian State on August 30. They will then travel to West Virginia on September 6. ECU will host South Florida on September 13, and then travel to NC State on September 20. The Pirates will host SMU on September 27, and then travel to Old Dominion on October 4. ECU will host Navy on October 11, and then travel to Houston on October 18. The Pirates will host Memphis on October 25, and then travel to Tulane on November 1. ECU will host USF on November 8, and then travel to Cincinnati on November 15. The Pirates will host Temple on November 22.
People Also Ask
When is the first ECU football game in 2025?
The first ECU football game in 2025 is on August 30 against Appalachian State.
Who does ECU play in 2025?
ECU plays Appalachian State, West Virginia, South Florida, NC State, SMU, Old Dominion, Navy, Houston, Memphis, Tulane, and USF in 2025.
Where does ECU play its home games in 2025?
ECU plays its home games at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina.
