The 2025 college football season gets rolling in Raleigh on Thursday night as the East Carolina Pirates (0-0) look to pull an early upset against in-state rival NC State Wolfpack (0-0) at Wayne Day Family Field at Carter-Finley Stadium.
East Carolina endured a rocky start in 2024, stumbling to a 3-4 mark that ultimately cost head coach Mike Houston his job. Defensive coordinator Blake Harrell stepped into the interim role, and the Pirates responded in a big way, rattling off wins in five of their last six contests to salvage the season and build momentum heading into 2025.
As NC State gears up to face East Carolina in what promises to be an electrifying NCAAF showdown, fans can enhance their engagement by exploring diverse betting options. For those who enjoy the tactical aspect of the game, exploring NFL betting sites and apps could be beneficial. These platforms offer insights and options to make informed wagers, adding an exciting dimension to your game day strategy.
On the other sideline, NC State opens its 13th season under veteran head coach Dave Doeren, who enters with an 87-65 overall record (47-51 ACC) and a 3-6 mark in bowl games during his tenure. Last fall was one to forget for the Wolfpack, as they finished 6-7 overall and 3-5 in conference play. To make matters worse, they closed with a Military Bowl loss at the hands of these very Pirates, 26-21, adding extra fuel to this year’s non-conference meeting.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch NC State vs East Carolina NCAAF game, plus plenty more.
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NC State vs East Carolina: Date and kick-off time
NC State will take on East Carolina in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET or 4:00 pm PT at Wayne Day Family Field at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina.
| Date | Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
| kick-off Time | 7:00 pm ET or 4:00 pm PT |
| Venue | Wayne Day Family Field at Carter-Finley Stadium |
| Location | Raleigh, North Carolina |
How to watch NC State vs East Carolina on TV & stream live online
- TV channel: ACC Network
- Streaming service: Fubo
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NC State vs East Carolina team news & key players
NC State Wolfpack team news
NC State counters with quarterback CJ Bailey, who showed balance a year ago by passing for 2,413 yards and 17 touchdowns while also adding 279 yards and five rushing scores. The Wolfpack ground game will again rely on Hollywood Smothers, the team’s leading rusher in 2024, with Jayden Scott working into a bigger role. Tight end Justin Joly stands as Bailey’s most proven target after a 661-yard campaign, while Noah Rogers, Wesley Grimes, Terrell Anderson, and Keenan Jackson round out a deep receiving room. In the kicking game, Kanoah Vinesett provides stability after finishing 18-of-24 on field goals and perfect on extra point attempts.
East Carolina Pirates team news
For ECU, quarterback Katin Houser returns after throwing for just over 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 2024, while also contributing four scores on the ground. Depth comes in the form of transfer Mike Wright Jr., who brings starting experience from Northwestern. The Pirates’ run game is spearheaded by London Montgomery (359 yards, two TDs) and Marlon Gunn Jr. (224 yards, three TDs), while Anthony Smith headlines the receiving corps after a breakout year with 799 yards and six scores. Additional weapons include Yannick Smith and tight end Desirrio Riles, who both proved reliable last season. Special teams could be a strength, with Andrew Conrad and New Hampshire transfer Nick Mazzie competing for kicking duties, both capable of hitting from beyond 50 yards.