N.C. Central will get head start

By rbrown
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Updated: August 20, 2025

Malcolm Reed photo courtesy NC Central athletics

FOOTNOTES

— When the University of New Hampshire opens its season Aug. 30 at N.C. Central, the Eagles will already have a game under their belt. N.C. State will play its first regular season game Saturday against Southern University in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge (ABC, 7:30 p.m.).

N.C. Central was picked to finish second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), and quarterback Walker Harris is one of eight Eagles who were named Preseason First Team All-MEAC. Five of those honorees play offense, and the other three suit up on defense and special teams.

The Eagles are entering their sixth season under head coach Trei Oliver. N.C. Central finished 8-3 overall (4-1 MEAC) in 2024.

“We don’t rely on a whole lot of transfers and hope and pray,” Oliver said. “Hope is out of the plan around here. We must be prepared.

“What excites me about [Walker Harris] is the offensive line. This is probably going to be the best we’ve been since I’ve been here up front on both sides of the ball.”

— Defensive back Malcolm Reed is perhaps the best player on the N.C. State roster. Reed was named a Stats Perform Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Preseason All-American.

Reed was a First Team All-MEAC selection last season when he ranked second in the conference in pass breakups and eighth in interceptions. He was second on the team in tackles (60, including 3.5 for a loss), returned a fumble for a touchdown and had two interceptions.

Reed collected a career-high nine tackles twice in 2024: at North Carolina on Sept. 14 and at South Carolina State on Oct. 31. His interceptions came against Elon (Sept. 7) and Campbell (Oct. 5).

— The only meeting between UNH and N.C. Central took place during the 2022 season in Durham. N.C. Central scored 21 points in the first quarter of that contest and breezed to a 45-27 victory.