East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal in January 2026 for his final year of eligibility, multiple outlets reported Monday. It marked his second transfer since entering the college ranks. He will also opt out of the upcoming Go Bowling Military Bowl against Pittsburgh. Two of his top targets headed towards the portal with him … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTWhen CFP stands for Change Football Playoffs
East Carolina athletic director Jon Gilbert predicted Monday that there would be changes forthcoming in the College Football Playoff system. The system as it exists followed its guidelines and put No. 20 Tulane and No. 24 James Madison in the playoff ahead of No. 11 Notre Dame and No. 12 Brigham Young. The applicable criteria regarded berths to the five highest-ranked … [Read more...]
Class of 2026 Early Signing ReviewHarrell’s Deep South haul grows [update 2]
Blake Harrell's initial additions to his first complete recruiting class since being named East Carolina's head coach features a heavy influence from the Deep South, the core of which committed early to the Pirates. Eighteen high school and junior college prospects joined the Pirates' recruiting Class of 2026 during college football's early signing period. Football Bowl … [Read more...]
Bowl Press ConferenceGilbert & Harrell discuss postseason
East Carolina athletic director Jon Gilbert and football coach Blake Harrell fielded questions from reporters Monday about the Pirates' acceptance of an invitation to face Pittsburgh in the Military Bowl. Gilbert touched on a wide range of topics including the factors that complicated the selection of teams for this season's bowl games. While expressing satisfaction with ECU's … [Read more...]
FOOTBALL NEWSPirates summoned back to Military Bowl
For the third time in five seasons, East Carolina has received an invitation to the Military Bowl in Annapolis. The Pirates (8-4) will take on Pittsburgh (8-4) on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. (ESPN) at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. Both coaches, Blake Harrell of ECU and Pat Narduzzi of Pitt, noted that their teams practice in the morning and should be ready for the early … [Read more...]