College football is finally back, and the North Carolina Central Eagles are set to take on the Southern Jaguars on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 4:00 p.m. ET in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff. This marquee season opener brings together two programs hungry to prove they belong among their conference’s elite.
This year’s game features a compelling matchup of runner-ups, as the Jaguars finished second in the SWAC and the Eagles claimed the same position in the MEAC. While neither team enters as the favorite, both are considered dangerous contenders who could win their respective conferences if things go their way.
North Carolina Central vs. Southern
Game Details
Date: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
TV: ABC
Live Stream: ESPN3.com, DIRECTV, Fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV
How does NCCU and Southern Match Up?
Second-year head coach Terrence Graves leads Southern, which enters the season following an 8-5 finish and a SWAC West Division title in 2024. The Jaguars return sophomore running back Barry Remo and redshirt junior Darren Morris. Southern last appeared in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in 2017, when the team defeated South Carolina State 14-8 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Meanwhile, North Carolina Central’s head coach, Trei Oliver, has been one of the best coaches in the MEAC over the last seven years. His resume includes a pair of conference titles, a Celebration Bowl win, and a MEAC Football Coach of the Year award in 2022. He has gone 37-21 during his tenure, with his only losing season being his first year as head coach.
Quarterback Walker Harris leads the Eagles’ offense. In 2024, he threw for 1,845 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He must be efficient and judicious with the ball against Southern’s rugged defense.
The fourth Eagle Engage brought to you by our partners @BlueCrossNC
Eagle Engage is a series that highlights various NCCU student athletes and the stories that drive them to compete on and off the court.
Today’s feature is NCCU Football’s Walker Harris.#eaglepride | #BCBSNC pic.twitter.com/2FFp19a2KS
— NCCU Athletics (@NCCUAthletics) May 8, 2025
Harris’s primary receiver will likely be senior Chauncey Spikes. He caught only 18 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, but with Markell Quick and Joaquin Davis gone, he must step up. Another option is Quinton McCall, who missed all of the 2024 season with an injury.
However, Southern counters with defensive lineman Ckelby Givens, a legit force up front. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound senior is a two-time All-SWAC First Team selection and a two-time FCS All-American. He had 73 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 13 quarterback hurries. The 2024 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year has first-round pick written all over him.
🔸#FCS Spotlight🔸
Southern DE Ckelby Givens (@Ckelby1)
-2025 Sr
-6-2, 245 lbs
-2x All-SWAC 1st Team
-2x FCS All-American
-2023: 61 tackles, 21 TFLs, 7 sacks
-2024: 73 tackles, 27.5 TFLs, 12 sacks, 13 QB hurries
-2024 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year📸@GeauxJags pic.twitter.com/rFCMwy81QJ
— HERO Sports FCS (@HEROSports_FCS) August 12, 2025
Offensively for the Jaguars, quarterback Jalen Woods played in six games in 2024, throwing for 541 yards and four touchdowns. His pass catchers will be Darren Morris and Dupree Fuller, who will also get their first real chances at starting spots.
Let the games begin!
