Thursday night lights in Raleigh, North Carolina, burned especially bright on August 28, 2025, as the N.C. State Wolfpack kicked off their college football season against the East Carolina Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium. For fans of both teams, this matchup was more than just an opener—it was a rematch, a chance for redemption, and the start of a new chapter in a storied in-state rivalry. The 2025 campaign began with high expectations, electrifying plays, and a stadium packed with anticipation.
From the opening whistle, the energy was palpable. N.C. State, looking to avenge last year’s Military Bowl defeat at the hands of ECU, wasted no time setting the tone. Quarterback CJ Bailey, now a sophomore and exuding confidence, led the Wolfpack offense with poise. Early in the second quarter, Bailey capped a methodical drive by darting into the end zone for an 11-yard rushing touchdown, putting N.C. State up 10-0. Just a couple of minutes later, Bailey delivered a highlight-reel moment: a 68-yard bomb to Wesley Grimes, who sprinted past defenders and into the end zone, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Bailey’s first half was nearly flawless, as he completed 14 of his first 16 passes, demonstrating the growth fans had hoped for after his promising freshman season. "He’s been locked in all summer, and you can see the difference," one Wolfpack assistant was overheard saying on the sidelines, according to The Fayetteville Observer. The Wolfpack’s offensive line, despite missing Val Erickson for the first half due to a prior ejection, held strong, giving Bailey the protection he needed to orchestrate the attack.
Meanwhile, the Pirates struggled to find their footing. ECU didn’t notch a first down until late in the second quarter, hampered by negative yardage and a stifling Wolfpack defense. But just when it seemed the game might slip away, Pirates quarterback Katin Houser connected with Jayvontay Conner for a stunning 79-yard touchdown, slicing into the Wolfpack’s lead and reminding everyone why this rivalry is never predictable. The score stood at 17-7 with just over two minutes left in the first half, and suddenly, the Pirates were back in business.
As halftime approached, the atmosphere inside Carter-Finley Stadium was electric. N.C. State basketball coach Will Wade, serving as the Alpha Starter of the game, rallied the crowd, further fueling the Wolfpack faithful. The halftime show was a brief respite before the intensity ramped up once more.
The third quarter saw N.C. State extend their lead on the ground. Running back Hollywood Smothers, living up to his star-studded name, powered in for a 2-yard rushing touchdown, making it 24-7. The Wolfpack defense, anchored by the likes of Jamel Johnson and Travali Price, continued to frustrate the Pirates, forcing turnovers and keeping the visitors at bay. ECU attempted to swing momentum with a fake punt, but penalties and missed opportunities kept them from capitalizing.
Still, the Pirates refused to go quietly. Early in the fourth quarter, Marlon Gunn Jr. found a crease and plunged in for a 4-yard rushing score, narrowing the deficit to 24-14. The tension ratcheted up as ECU’s defense tightened, and N.C. State’s own kicker, Nick Konieczynski, missed a pair of field goals that could have put the game out of reach. The missed kicks gave the Pirates hope, and the visiting fans in purple started to believe in a late-game miracle.
With just over eight minutes left, ECU’s Nick Mazzie drilled a 34-yard field goal, making it a one-possession game at 24-17. The Pirates, who had come up short on several drives earlier, now found themselves within striking distance. The Wolfpack offense, missing wide receiver Noah Rogers after a hard hit sent him to the locker room, struggled to move the chains. The stage was set for a dramatic finish.
With two minutes left, ECU marched into the red zone. The Pirates advanced to the 13-yard line, and the Wolfpack crowd held its breath. On a critical fourth-and-1 play at the 9-yard line with just 42 seconds remaining, Houser found Desirrio Riles in the flat. But N.C. State defensive back Jamel Johnson closed quickly, tackling Riles for a loss and effectively sealing the game. The Wolfpack offense took the field and knelt out the clock, securing a hard-fought 24-17 victory.
For N.C. State, the win was more than just a notch in the standings—it was payback for last season’s bowl defeat and a statement that this team is ready to contend in the ACC. Head coach Dave Doeren, who had to adjust his lineup with Brandon Cleveland and Val Erickson sidelined for the first half due to ejections from last year’s Military Bowl, praised his team’s resilience and focus. "We knew this one would come down to the wire, and our guys responded," Doeren said in his postgame remarks. "That’s the kind of fight we want to see every week."
The game was broadcast nationally on ACC Network, with Wes Durham and Steve Addazio calling the action, while fans across the state tuned in via streaming platforms like Fubo, DirecTV, and ESPN+. Local sports bars in Greenville, such as Overtime Tavern and Tiebreakers, were packed with ECU fans, purple tablecloths, and Pirate-themed drinks, creating a festive atmosphere even as the result didn’t go their way. "There’s nothing like Pirate football season, so I’m super excited to see how we do and how things go," Overtime Tavern manager Kathryn Jenkins told WITN before the game. The bars staffed extra employees and put the game on big screens, making sure no one missed a moment of the action.
This season opener also marked the beginning of a tough schedule for both teams. N.C. State’s next game is set for September 6 against Virginia, while ECU will look to regroup and build on the positives from their spirited comeback attempt. The Wolfpack, buoyed by Bailey’s development and a defense that made plays when it counted, now set their sights on ACC competition with momentum on their side.
As the stadium lights dimmed and fans filed out into the warm Raleigh night, the message was clear: college football is back in North Carolina, and the Wolfpack are ready to chase bigger dreams in 2025. The rivalry lived up to its billing, and if this opener is any indication, both teams have plenty to play for in the weeks ahead.
