East Carolina Pirates 2026 Preview
East Carolina went 9-4 (6-2 in the American). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for East Carolina in 2026
- New defensive coordinator in Jordon Hankins (Memphis Defensive Coordinator)
- Starting QB from last season is gone. There is a QB battle between Texas Tech transfer Mitch Griffis (357 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) and Miami (FL) transfer Emory Williams (156 yards, 0 TDs)
- Starting RB from last season is gone. North Texas transfer Ashton Gray (377 yards, 5 TDs) and Marshall transfer Michael Allen (385 yards, 4 TDs) are expected to split carries.
- Top two players in terms of receiving yards from last season are gone, with the top returner being Brock Spalding (554 yards, 3 TDs). North Texas transfer Landon Sides is also expected to start (449 yards, 1 TD)
- No starting offensive lineman return, and three transfers are expected to start
- Returning three starters on defense, with their top returner being LB DJ Johnson Jr (60 tackles). Five transfers are expected to start, including Appalachian State transfer S Zyeir Gamble (76 tackles, 2 INTs)
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Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
East Carolina Pirates 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama | Away |
| 2 | Appalachian State | Home |
| 3 | Old Dominion | Away |
| 4 | NC Central | Home |
| 5 | Rice | Home |
| 6 | UAB | Away |
| 7 | Memphis | Away |
| 8 | Temple | Home |
| 9 | USF | Home |
| 10 | Charlotte | Away |
| 11 | Army | Away |
| 12 | Home |
Get the printable East Carolina Pirates 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More American previews
Related reading
East Carolina Pirates betting FAQ
East Carolina Pirates play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Alabama. The full schedule is listed on this page.
East Carolina is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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