College football is almost back, and with it, some of the top rivalries. It’s one of the things that makes the NCAA so fun to watch. The rivalries are kicking off early with East Carolina vs. NC State.
The Wolfpack didn’t have a great 2024-25 bid, finishing in 10th place in the ACC. East Carolina performed slightly better, coming in fifth in the AAC. But they ended up facing each other in the Military Bowl, where the Pirates came out on top. We’ll get to see the rematch at the start of the season.
A lot of eyes could be on this matchup as a brawl broke out in the last minute of the Military Bowl. Tensions will be high. NC State’s quarterback CJ Bailey is returning, along with a second-year running back and most of their wide receivers. East Carolina has a good mix of players returning after an already competitive 2024 season in the AAC.
NC State vs. East Carolina tickets
NC State will host East Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. ET.
Tickets are available now, starting at $170, to watch these two teams kick off the 2025-26 season.
Shop East Carolina vs. NC State tickets
Kick off the 2025-26 college football season with tickets to see East Carolina football hosted by the NC State Wolfpack.
Shop East Carolina vs. NC State tickets
NC State vs. East Carolina football game information