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63-501: The bowl's legitimacy as an HBCU championship game was called into question immediately, starting with its very first contest, when its committee awarded its automatic bid to the MEAC's second-seeded co-champion, North Carolina A&T , over its top seed, Delaware State (Delaware State had defeated the Aggies head-to-head, on the road even, but their conference victory over Bethune–Cookman

126-500: A 1–10 record, with their sole win coming from a 52–32 win over Howard University . At the conclusion of the 2010 season, it was announced that Lee was released as Head football coach and that assistant coach George Ragsdale would once again serve as interim coach of the Aggies. In February 2011, after media reports of him turning down the offer, Rod Broadway became the 18th coach of the Aggie football program. In his first season with

189-443: A 7–0 loss to Morgan State . In his six seasons with the Aggies, Breaux compiled a record of 28–17–8. From 1940 to 1945, the Aggies had a revolving door of coaching changes as the team had four different head coaches, Homer Harris , Roland Bernard, Charles DeBerry, and Charles Carter within a five-year span. Of the coaches during this time period, DeBerry was the only man to lead the team for more than one season. In 1943 DeBerry led

252-505: A 9–3 record, and advance to the NCAA Division IAA playoffs, where they lost to The Citadel . The 1999 Aggie team is arguably the most dominant team in the program's history. That season, the Aggies went undefeated against all MEAC opponents for the first, and only, time in the program's history. The team also set a school record for most wins in a single season with 11 total and defeated number 1 ranked Tennessee State to earn

315-471: A berth in the NCAA Division IAA playoffs, where they lost to Wofford in the first round. The following two seasons, the Aggies would go 3–8 and Small would have end his career at A&T with a record of 16 wins and 19 losses. In 2006, Lee Fobbs Jr. became the 16th coach of the Aggie program. Fobbs tenure was marked with failures as the team would endure a 27-game losing streak over his first two years as head coach. The Aggies were ranked 114th out of 118 in

378-414: A consistent figure for the program. Between 1958 & 1959, Aggie Quarterback Paul Swann threw for a total 1,573 yards and 12 touchdowns , helping the Aggies win back to back CIAA championships. In 1964, the Aggies claimed their fifth CIAA championship. The team would go 6–0–1 in the conference to clinch the title, including a 26–0 shutout of rival North Carolina College in the season finale. Of those on

441-401: A feat unmatched by any coach in the history of the program. Rod Broadway became coach in 2011, after leaving Grambling State University . In 2012, Broadway lead the Aggies to their first winning season in 9 years. In 2018, Sam Washington was named head coach after the retirement of Rod Broadway. As a result of COVID-19 , the MEAC canceled their 2020 MEAC football season. This resulted in

504-402: A football game against the rattlers of Florida A&M University . A&T football has traditions that range from the long-standing, to new. The following are football traditions associated with the Aggie football program: The Aggie Football Team is supported by The North Carolina A&T State University Blue and Gold Marching Machine , the university's marching band . Started in 1918, it

567-625: A founding member in 1969. Before that the Aggies were members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), where they won five conference titles. In their time in the MEAC, A&T won eleven conference titles. The Aggies have appeared in the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs five times with an overall record of 1–5. This table reflects the results of MEAC matchups when both N.C. A&T and its opponent were members of

630-416: A lesser degree with South Carolina State University . Commonly referred to as the " Aggie–Eagle rivalry ," this particular rivalry dates back to the first Aggie Football game in 1924; in which the game ended in a 13–13 tie. The intensity of the rivalry is driven by the proximity of the two schools, as both are only 55 miles apart via U.S. Interstate 85 , the size of the two schools, as North Carolina A&T

693-450: A major impact on the black national championship selection process. Had Howard not declined its automatic bid to play Southern after the 1993 campaign, for example, it would have likely prevented the HBCU national title from being split between the two schools by selectors. Likewise, in 1996 SWAC top seed Jackson State opted to forgo the bowl for the playoffs, missing an opportunity to avoid

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756-445: A record of 4–1–4, with their only loss coming from a 7–10 loss to West Virginia State to close the season. In 1927, Byarm led A&T to its first undefeated season and the school's first conference championship in football. The Aggies finished the season with a record of 8–0. Byarm would continue to coach the Aggies until 1930. Over his 7-year career as coach, he compiled a record of 38–25–10. In 1931 Harry R. Jefferson would inherit

819-505: A record of 5–5. In 1950, Bell would lead the team to their second CIAA championship. Team Quarterback , Robert "Stonewall" Jackson , along with running back James Fisher and Helburn "Bud" Meadows would clinch the CIAA championship by beating the nationally ranked North Carolina College 25–13 in the season closer. Bell would lead the Aggies for 11 seasons until the arrival of new coach Bert C. Piggott in 1957. Like Bell, Piggott would also be

882-475: A replacement for the Heritage Bowl, the "Legacy Bowl"—not to be confused with a later exhibition game of the same name —was proposed for the 2011 season, but MEAC officials voted it down. In 2015 the two conferences finally reached an agreement to compete in the new Celebration Bowl . Note: an asterisk denotes when the conference's outright champion or top-seeded co-champion accepted its automatic bid to

945-406: A split black national title with Howard by settling it on the field. In both 1997 and 1998 the MEAC's top seed, Hampton , refused its invitations to play Southern, likely leading to split titles both years. After Hampton declined the 1998 bid, the MEAC's second seed (Florida A&M) did as well; both FAMU and Southern subsequently ended up being declared HBCU champions by various selectors. In 2010

1008-583: A total of 1,349 yards to help the Aggies capture the conference title. Over Howell's 9-year career with A&T, he would win 62% of the games he coach, and would earn a career record of 55–34–4. In 1977 James "Jim" McKinley would become head coach of the A&;T football program. McKinley would take the helm of the Aggies after leaving his first head coaching position at Central State University in Ohio . During his 5-year career at North Carolina A&T, His record

1071-408: Is arguably, the second most important rival of the Aggies. The series dates back to 1952, and has roots in the CIAA, where both teams were at one time members. The rivalry is driven by the close proximity of the two schools, as both are approximately 30 miles apart via Interstate 40 , coaching personnel and conference ties once shared by both schools. Since Winston-Salem State's decision to discontinue

1134-505: Is one of the longest standing traditions of A&T football. The Blue and Gold Marching Machine perform the pre-game ceremonies, halftime, and post game for all A&T home football games, in addition to traveling to most away contests. "Aggie", sometimes referred to as the Aggie Dawg (or Aggie Dog ), and his female counterpart "Aggietha" ( pronounced Agatha ) represent the Aggies as the official A&T mascots. The two can be seen on

1197-429: Is the largest Historically Black College and University in the state with North Carolina Central being the second, and the fact that both schools are competing for many of the same students and athletes . Fans of both teams tend to place great emphasis on this rivalry and the intensity of it causes splits among many families, marriages, and other groups over their respective teams. The rivalry with Winston-Salem State

1260-593: The NCAA 's Division I . Along with Delaware State University , Howard University , University of Maryland Eastern Shore , Morgan State University , North Carolina Central University and South Carolina State University , the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) was created. In 1975, the Aggies would win their first football championship in the MEAC. During that season, Quarterback Ellsworth Turner completed 55% of his passes while throwing

1323-609: The NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of CAA Football , the legally separate football league operated by the multi-sports Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Over 25 Hampton alumni have played or coached in the NFL, including: In 2022, former Hampton Pirate defensive back, Destin Route , more well known as JID on-stage, was nominated for a Grammy for his rap album, The Forever Story . Also in 2022, Pirates player Byron Perkins came out as gay, making him

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1386-792: The NFL , CFL , AFL and other leagues including: Michael Basnight , James Bowden , Jessie Britt , Dwaine Carpenter , Tarik Cohen , Junius Coston , Tom Day , Curtis Deloatch , Henry Douglas , Cornell Gordon , Michael Hamilton , Maurice Hicks , Melvin Holmes , Jason Horton , Toran James , Jamal Jones , Wallace Miles , Qasim Mitchell , Brandon Parker , Mel Phillips , George Ragsdale , George Small , Maurice Smith , Jamain Stephens , Walter Stith , Joe Taylor , Dick Westmoreland , Reggie White and Donald Willis . Other notable former Aggie football players include: Robert "Stonewall" Jackson ,

1449-479: The 1964 Aggie championship roster was future Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Elvin Bethea . Over the 11 years he led the team, Piggott would win a total of 3 CIAA championships, and 8 straight winning seasons; a feat unmatched by any other coach in school history. The 1968 season saw Hornsby Howell becoming the new coach of the team. In his first year as coach, the Aggies would go 8–1, with their sole loss at

1512-408: The Aggie's infamous defensive line, known as the "Blue Death Defense" would be a driving force in the team successful MEAC championship campaign. The team would gain an end their season in a 13–36 losing effort to Alabama State in the now defunct Heritage Bowl . The 1992 season would prove to be another successful one for the Aggies. The team would again capture the MEAC conference championship, with

1575-587: The Aggies defeated the Alcorn State Braves 41–34, capturing their 4th Black College Football National Championship. In 2016 , the Aggies earned their first win against a team from the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) when they defeated the Kent State Golden Flashes in four Overtimes at Dix Stadium . The Aggies would finish the season 9–3, 7–1 in MEAC play to finish in second place, receiving an at-large bid to

1638-501: The Aggies to their second undefeated season in the team's history. That season, the Aggies would compete in their first post-season bowl game, as the team defeated Southern , 14–12, in the Flower Bowl . Over the three seasons DeBerry led the Aggies, he compiled a record of 13–12–1. The 1946 season would bring about some stability for the Aggies as new coach William "Bill" Bell became head coach. In his first season as coach, Bell had

1701-564: The Aggies' out-of-conference games against Shaw , Liberty , and North Dakota State either being canceled or rescheduled. In 2020, A&T announced that an agreement had been reached with historic rival , Winston-Salem State for a one-time meeting in 2024. That same year, A&T announced a 10-Year home and home agreement with arch-rival North Carolina Central that will go through the 2030 season. Hampton Pirates football The Hampton Pirates football team represents Hampton University in college football . The Pirates compete in

1764-469: The Aggies, the team finished with a 5–6 record, improving upon the previous season by 4 wins. The following season the team finished 7–4 with wins over rivals South Carolina State and North Carolina Central. The 2013 Season began with the program being cleared from the NCAA of any Academic Progress Rate (APR) penalties for the first time since 2008. The imposed sanction eliminated spring practice and reduced

1827-603: The All-Time Winningest Coach in the program's history, with 106 victories. Over the span of his 15-season career at A&T, Hayes let the Aggies to 2 Black College National titles, the program's first ever win in the NCAA I-AA playoffs, and 3 MEAC titles. Other notable A&T football coaches include Hornsby Howell, who led the team to its first MEAC championship; and Burt Piggott, who led the Aggies to 3 CIAA championships and 8 consecutive winning seasons,

1890-538: The Big South until joining the CAA's technically separate football league, CAA Football, in 2023. The Aggies play home football games at Truist Stadium which opened in 1981. Before its construction, the Aggies played their home football games at Greensboro's War Memorial Stadium , which, at the time, was home to the nearby minor league baseball franchise. The university saw the need to have an on-campus stadium able to hold

1953-573: The December 30, 1994, game finally got to pair the top-seeded champions from both leagues. This renaissance was short-lived, however, with attendance leveling off as the game evolved into an annual contest between Southern and the MEAC's third seed. Because of the MEAC's unwillingness to guarantee that its champion would participate, the television contract was ended and eventually the game was too, even though its later attendance figures surpassed some higher-division bowl games. Perhaps not coincidentally,

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2016-566: The Division I-FCS. North Carolina A&T has been awarded the black college football national championship a total of eight times in the program's history. Though this title is not recognized by the NCAA, it is awarded to the best historically black collegiate program competing in either the NCAA's Division I FCS or Division II level. North Carolina A&T joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference as

2079-582: The FCS Playoffs where they lost in the first round to Richmond . The 2017 season would arguably be one of, if not the best, season in the program's history. The Aggies finished the season undefeated with a record of 12–0, 8–0 in MEAC play, capturing their ninth conference title. A&T also earned an invitation to the Celebration Bowl where they defeated Grambling State and earned their fifth black college football national championship . At

2142-496: The Football Championship Subdivision in total offense, 113th in passing offense and 107th in scoring offense. On August 30, 2008, the Aggies defeated Division II opponent Johnson C. Smith 44–12 in their season opener to break the losing streak. The following week, the Aggies would go on to defeat rival Winston-Salem State . Following those games, the Aggies resumed their losing trend as they lost

2205-635: The MEAC Championship and earn a celebration bowl invite. They finished the season with a 9–3 record, earning the program's 7th Black College Football National Championship. On February 7, 2020, A&T's board of trustees voted to leave the MEAC for the Big South Conference effective July 2021. However, A&T announced a year later that it would join the all-sports Coastal Athletic Association in July 2022, with football remaining in

2268-622: The SWAC—which usually did send its champion, because several of its schools played Thanksgiving weekend regular season games that conflicted with the first round of the playoffs—won most of the Heritage Bowls that were held. The bowl was played in Miami Gardens, Florida , in 1991, Tallahassee, Florida , in 1993, and Atlanta from 1994 to 1999. The game after the 1994 season was the only one to feature both conferences' top seeds;

2331-526: The Walter Camp Football Foundation. Chris McNeil-1997 Below is a list of All Americans selected by The Associated Press (AP) Below is a list of All Americans selected by The American Urban Radio Network, American Sports Wire, Sheridan Black College Poll and other polls. Below is a list of Aggie Football players who have received The Buck Buchanan Award which is awarded annually to the most outstanding defensive player in

2394-502: The automatic bowl bid in order to participate in the NCAA Division I–AA playoffs instead. This became an especially common issue for the MEAC, often leaving its runner-up—or even its third seed, for the final three Heritage Bowls—to represent the conference. The bowl peaked in the mid-1990s as it found a new stable home (Atlanta's Georgia Dome ) and a new title sponsor ( Jim Walter Homes ), all while attendance sharply increased—and

2457-400: The bowl (in 1991 the bowl's committee issued the MEAC's bid to its second-seeded co-champion) North Carolina A%26T Aggies football The North Carolina A&T Aggies football program represents North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in college football . The Aggies play in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision as a member of CAA Football ,

2520-461: The coach of the A&T football program. In his first season as head coach, the Aggies made a remarkable turnaround. The team, which finished the season with a record of 6–5, won more games in 2009 than they had won in their previous three seasons combined. The following season, with the effects of the Fobbs era behind them, the Aggies had a dismal 2010 campaign. The Aggies finished the 2010 season with

2583-468: The community at large. The student organization occupies section R in the West grandstand of Aggie Stadium, next to the band. The Aggie's chief rival is its in-state, and former MEAC competitor, North Carolina Central University . While its rivalry with North Carolina Central University is its most renowned and intense, North Carolina A&T has a historic rivalry with Winston-Salem State University , and to

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2646-528: The conclusion of the season, Rod Broadway announced his retirement finishing his A&T career with a seven-year record of 57–22. In 2018 , former defensive coordinator Sam Washington was named head coach of the program. In his first season, the Aggies repeated as both MEAC and Celebration Bowl champions. The team finished the season with a 10–2 record, including their 2nd bowl victory over Alcorn State, earning their sixth black college football national championship. The following season, A&T would again, win

2709-656: The conference. A&T began MEAC play in 1970; this list has been updated through the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season . Many North Carolina A&T Aggie players have gone on to play football in the professional ranks. Former Aggie football player Elvin Bethea has been inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame , while several former players; including Mel Phillips , George Ragsdale , George Small , and Connell Maynor have gone on to become coaches for NFL and college teams. Over 70 former North Carolina A&T players have gone on to play professionally for

2772-545: The first player from a Historically Black College to be drafted into the NFL; Pro Bowl player J.D. Smith ; Super Bowl champions Dwaine Board , Cornell Gordon , Troy Pelshak ; and Hall of fame inductee Elvin Bethea Brad Holmes , General Manager of the Detroit Lions The Aggies have had 19 coaches in their 113-year history. William "Bill" Hayes holds the distinction of being

2835-522: The game. Heritage Bowl II did not fair all that much better, as it was played without a title sponsor and featured neither the MEAC champion nor the SWAC champion . Even after moving to a January date and having Florida A&M serve as a de facto home team, the game still could only attract 11,273 fans—albeit an improvement over the previous game. In subsequent years half of the conferences' top seeds declined

2898-524: The games after the 1992 and 1996 seasons did not include either league's top seed. Unlike the Pelican Bowl, which continued to insist that it was an HBCU championship game even after one of the conferences' top seeds had declined their automatic bid, the Heritage Bowl's committee essentially had to concede that its second game could not be promoted as an HBCU championship—since not only one but both conferences' champions had backed out. This largely set

2961-453: The growing number of fans attending home football games. The original stadium was designed by architect W. Edward Jenkins, a North Carolina A&T alumnus, and opened in 1981. The first game played there was on September 12, 1981, against local rival Winston Salem State University to an overflow crowd of more than 23,000 fans. To date, the largest single-game attendance at Truist Stadium was set in 2001 when 34,769 people were in attendance for

3024-410: The hands of University of Maryland Eastern Shore . That year, the Aggies would be named Black college football national co-champions , earning their first national title. Howell would lead the Aggies through their remaining years in the CIAA, and their eventual move to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference . In 1970, A&T would leave the CIAA to form a new conference with the intent of transitioning to

3087-440: The largest public Historically Black colleges representing their respective states. Athletically, South Carolina State spoiled the Aggie's 2003 undefeated conference record when they handed A&T their only MEAC loss of the season with a 49–9 win in the regular season closer. Currently, South Carolina State leads the series 32 wins to 14. MEAC Players of The Year Below is a list of Walter Camp All-Americans selected by

3150-498: The marching band travels, the coaches, players, cheerleaders, and student section gather near the marching band to sing, the school song, Dear A&T . Another A&T football tradition is the Student section. The Aggie Livewires, have been the " official cheering section " of the Aggies since their inception in 1995. The Livewires are known for starting cheers, spreading spirit at athletic events, and their involvement on campus and

3213-411: The next six games, including a 28–27 loss to rival North Carolina Central , which is in the second year of its transition to Division I. Fobbs was relieved of his coaching duties on October 21, 2008, and the following week, the Aggies beat Howard 21–20. Running back coach George Ragsdale was named interim coach for the remainder of the 2008 season, where the team went 1–3. In 2009, Alonzo Lee became

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3276-409: The number of scholarships that could be offered to players. That year, the Aggies finished with a record of 7–4; with an upset win over three-time FCS national champion Appalachian State , and a 28–0 win over rival North Carolina Central . The previous 2 seasons marked the first back-to-back winning seasons for the program since 2001. In Broadway's fourth season as head coach, the Aggies would finish

3339-400: The school's first NCAA playoff victory. That year, the Aggies were also awarded their third Black College National Championship. Over his 15 seasons with the Aggies, Hayes would compile a record of 106 wins, making him the all-time leading coach in school history. In 2003, George Small was named head coach of the Aggies. That same season, the team won their sixth MEAC championship and earned

3402-583: The season with a 9–3 record and one of five teams tied for the MEAC Championship. that season, the Aggies would not get the conference automatic qualifying, or an at large bid, for the 2014 NCAA FCS Playoffs. In 2015 , the Aggies won their 8th MEAC conference championship and was invited to the inaugural Celebration Bowl , which pitted the MEAC champion with the Champion of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). In that game,

3465-443: The sideline of football games at Aggie Stadium. Although, the physical representation of the athletic teams is a bulldog , the term "Aggie" has a historical connection to the university. The term " Aggie " has long been used to refer to students who attend agricultural schools. Hence the reason the university adopted the nickname "Aggies" when the school was founded in 1891. At the conclusion of all home games, and away games in which

3528-419: The team's championship run. Harbison's 63 catches and 883 receiving yards would set a school record, that to this day still stands. Forte's record with the Aggies would end at 26 wins, 38 losses, and 1 tie. In 1988, William "Bill" Hayes would take the helm of the Aggie program. In 1990, the Aggies would maintain a 9–2 record and be crown the 1990 Black college football National Champions. The following season,

3591-492: The team. Jefferson, would lead the Aggies for two seasons before leaving to coach at Hampton University in Virginia . In his two season with A&T, he compiled a record of 5–11. In 1933, Inman A. Breaux became the head coach of the Aggies. In his first season, the team finished with a record of 3–3–3. The 1944 season would fare much better for the Aggies as the team compiled a record of 7–1; with their sole loss coming from

3654-509: The technically separate football league operated by the Aggies' full-time home of the Coastal Athletic Association . In 1901, the team played its first game, losing to Livingstone College . The team played only one game during the 1901 season and did not field another team until 1906. In the program's early years, the team would sporadically field teams, having periods between 1907 and 1911; 1913; and 1917 where there

3717-459: The tone for the remainder of the bowl's existence, save for the 1994 game. Indeed, playing in the bowl may have actually been viewed as more of a hindrance to earning an HBCU title than by avoiding the game; five teams that declined their Heritage Bowl bids were eventually able to secure black national titles from various selectors any way, without having to determine it head-to-head in the bowl game. Several Heritage Bowls were in position to have had

3780-399: The transition to Division I citing financial reasons, this rivalry has been placed on hold for the foreseeable future. The rivalry with South Carolina State is the most civil of the Aggie's chief rivals. The series dates back to 1958, and is driven by Conference alignment and proximity within the region. Both North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State are members of the MEAC, and are

3843-501: Was a total 29 wins, 32 losses and 1 tie with a highlight 9 wins and 3 losses for the 1980 season. McKinley would leave A&T in 1981 to coach at Prairie View A&M Panthers football in Texas . Maurice "Mo" Forte would become the team's next head coach in 1982. Four years later, the Aggies would win their second MEAC championship. That season, standout Quarterback Alan Hooker and Wide receiver Herbert Harbison were key components to

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3906-513: Was no team. Due to the outbreak of World War I , the school did not field a team, but resumed play once again in 1919 competing against neighboring Bennett College . It wasn't until 1923, that A&T's first coach of record, L.P. Byarm, would come along to lead the team. In 1924, North Carolina A&T joined the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), an athletic conference mostly consisting of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). The Aggies finished that season with

3969-574: Was viewed differently as it had been determined by a forfeit ). That first game brought other challenges as well, as it also drew only 7,728 spectators and lost future support from its title sponsor, Alamo , in the process. "That left the organizers $ 1 million in debt and blaming each other for the bowl's problems. President James McKinley, ousted in January, sued Alamo and his board of directors to win back his now largely meaningless post." The bowl also still owed its participating schools money months after

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