Analysis

ECU football season preview

By Logan Harlow · Originally published in The East Carolinian, Aug. 25, 2025 · Read the original

The 2025 football season kicks off against rival North Carolina State University (Atlantic Coastal Conference) as the Pirates look to reestablish themselves as a contender in the American Conference this year. Last fall, ECU had an up-and-down campaign that was marked by inconsistent quarterback play and struggles along the offensive line. The Pirates ultimately found their footing at the back end of the season when Blake Harrell took over mid-season as Head Coach, and when they closed the season out with a win over NC State in the military bowl.

Week 1 – Aug 28 at North Carolina State University

The Pirates waste no time diving into a hostile environment, opening at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C. against North Carolina State University. Head Coach Blake Harrell’s defense, led by Junior linebacker Dameon Wilson and Senior Jackson Barker, will be tested early against the Wolfpack’s physical run game. ECU’s quarterback room, featuring Sophomore quarterback Katin Houser and Junior quarterback Raheim Jeter, will need to establish rhythm behind an offensive line anchored by Senior Jayson Tarpeh and Junior Leivi Semaia.

Week 2 – Sep 6 vs Campbell University

The home opener at Dowdy-Ficklen should give ECU a chance to flex depth. Senior running back Marlon Gunn Jr. and Junior running back Parker Jenkins will get plenty of work behind this offensive line, and fans will hope to see early connections between Houser and his receivers, particularly Sophomore receiver Yannick Smith and Senior receiver Kelan Robinson. On defense, look for defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge’s defense to pressure Campbell’s quarterback with edge rushers Senior Ryheem Craig and Senior Jasiyah Robinson.

Week 3 – Sep 13 at Coastal Carolina University

This trip to Coastal is one of the Pirates toughest nonconference battles. Coastal is known for its uptempo offense, and ECU’s secondary, with veteran graduate student Teagan Wilk and Senior TyMir Brown will need to be sharp. On offense, Houser’s ability to spread the ball to playmakers could decide whether ECU can keep pace in what might be a high-scoring affair. The defense’s ability to contain explosive plays will be the difference.

Week 4 – Sep 20 vs Brigham Young University

Coming from a tough Big 12 Conference, BYU’s visit to Greenville is a marquee matchup for ECU. The Cougars bring size and power, especially in the trenches, which means Senior defensive lineman Xavier McIver and Senior defensive lineman Zion Wilson will be critical inside on the defensive line. ECU’s run game, led by Senior running back Marlon Gunn and Sophomore running back London Montgomery, has to succeed early to prevent Houser from facing constant pressure to air the ball out down the field. Special teams, with Senior veteran kicker Andrew Conrad, could play a big role in what may be a physical, low-possession game.

Week 5 – Sep 25 vs Army University

Preparing for Army's unique style and triple-option is never easy, Defensive Coordinator Josh Aldridge’s linebacker group needs to make big plays if they want a chance at stopping the run game. Offensively, ECU will need to maximize possessions, relying on its tight ends to keep drives alive on third down. After last year’s outing against Army where the Pirates fell 28-45, ECU will need to figure out how to stop the run game.

Week 6 – Oct 9 at Tulane University

This road trip will be a true test of where ECU stands. Tulane’s defensive front will challenge ECU’s offensive line, while the Pirates secondary, led by veterans like Senior defensive back Jonathan Jean will have to slow a balanced passing attack. One of the keys to winning will be whether Houser can stay poised in a tough road environment and whether the Pirates can force turnovers to swing momentum.

Week 7 – Oct 16 vs The University of Tulsa

This Thursday night home game presents an important chance for ECU to gain ground in conference play. Tulsa doesn’t have Tulane’s depth, but the Golden Hurricane always play scrappy. Look for Harrell’s defense to unleash edge pressure, with Craig and Senior Samuel Dankah keying the pass rush. Offensively, expect ECU to lean on its run game and play-action passing, especially to big targets like Yannick Smith downfield.

Week 8 – Nov 1 at Temple University

Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, P.A. has not always been kind to ECU, but this is a winnable road test. This game could allow younger skill players like Sophomore running back TJ Engleman Jr. or Freshman wide receiver Johnny Williams to emerge, especially if the Pirates get out to an early lead.

Week 9 – Nov 8 vs University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Pirates host Charlotte in a matchup that has grown into a bit of a regional rivalry. Expect gritty play in Greenville as ECU looks to control tempo with its running backs while stretching the field with receivers like Graduate Student Anthony Smith and Junior Jaquaize Pettaway. On defense, stopping Charlotte’s short passing game will be key. The atmosphere should give ECU a strong home-field edge.

Week 10 – Nov 15 vs The University of Memphis

Memphis is always a dangerous opponent, and this could be one of ECU’s toughest home games of the year. The Tigers traditionally bring an explosive passing attack, so ECU’s safeties will play major roles. For the Pirates offense, Houser will need to make quick decisions and take advantage of Memphis’s aggressive defense with intermediate throws to tight ends Conner and Riles. This could turn into a shootout under the lights in Greenville.

Week 11 – Nov 22 at The University of Texas at San Antonio

Traveling to San Antonio, Texas late in the season will be a major test of ECU’s depth. UTSA has emerged as one of the AAC’s top programs, and their fast, physical style will challenge ECU in all phases of the game. The Pirates best chance is to control time of possession with Gunn and Jenkins running behind a veteran offensive line. Defensively, edge contain and linebacker play will be critical against UTSA’s dual-threat quarterback.

Week 12 – Nov 29 at Florida Atlantic University

The regular-season finale takes the Pirates to Boca Raton Florida, where bowl eligibility could be on the line. FAU has elite speed on the roster, so ECU’s defensive backs will be tested. On offense, Houser’s chemistry with his receivers at this point in the season will be the key in stretching the field. Closing the season strong on the road would be a big step forward for Blake Harrell’s program.

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