August 27th, 2025 7:00am
As the 2025 Division II college football schedule kicks off, Week 0 brings Conference Carolinas football back to life with matchups that matter. Regional rivalries, familiar foes, and first-time showdowns will give fans a taste of the battles to come as the League returns to the gridiron after a 51-year absence.
Must-See Matchup
UNC Pembroke at Wingate | Saturday, Aug. 30 at Wingate, N.C. | 6:00 p.m. | Live Stats | Live Video
This matchup continues a notable regional rivalry—dating back to 2007—between two closely situated programs (just over 80 miles apart along US-74). Wingate holds a sizeable 9-3 lead in the all-time series and is currently riding a five-game win streak, including a narrow 17-12 victory in last season’s opener at Pembroke.
Wingate outgained UNC Pembroke 338-310 on offense, and converted 6-of-12 third down opportunities compared to a 1-for-7 third down conversion mark for the Braves. The outcome wasn’t decided until the game’s last minute when Pembroke tossed an interception deep in Wingate territory and gave the Bulldogs the ball with plenty of time to kill the clock.
The Bulldogs open the 2025 season as the defending SAC Champion, while the Braves are the preseason favorites to hoist the Conference Carolinas trophy after finishing the 2024 season 6-5 overall, including a four-game win streak to end the schedule.
A regional grudge match is on tap for the season opener as both sides look to open the season with momentum in their favor.
My pick: Wingate
Week 0 Schedule at a Glance
*all times Eastern
Thursday, Aug. 28
Virginia State at Barton | Wilson, N.C. | 7:00 p.m. | Live Audio | Live Stats | Live Video
Barton begins its Conference Carolinas journey looking to build early momentum. Meanwhile, Virginia State, returning to battle in the CIAA, wants to set a confident tone right away. Though not a long-standing rivalry, this matchup pits two competitive Division II programs from neighboring conferences into a high-stakes interconference clash. The proximity adds recruiting and bragging rights intrigue.
My pick: Barton
Saturday, Aug. 30
Anderson at Shorter | Rome, Ga. | 12:00 p.m. | Live Stats | Live Video
Shorter, formerly of the Gulf South Conference and a DII Independent, now enters a new chapter as a member of Conference Carolinas. Anderson enters Year Two of its program as a South Atlantic Conference member—meaning each side has a story to tell right out of the gate. Shorter’s strength was in the trenches last season as the Hawks forced 12 turnovers and 22 sacks on defense while averaging over 150 yards per game in the run game. Despite being a first-year program in 2024, the Trojans were competitive week-in and week-out, being outscored by an average of less than six points per game in a strong South Atlantic Conference.
My pick: Anderson
Ferrum at Catawba | Salisbury, N.C. | 6:00 p.m. | Live Stats | Live Video
Ferrum steps onto the field for the first time as an NCAA Division II member, while Catawba is looking to rebound from a three-win season one year ago. The Panthers boasted a balanced offensive attack in 2024, averaging 168.8 rushing yards and 147.7 passing yards per game, but defense was a marked weakness. The Indians, despite a less-than-stellar record, did average nearly 30 points per game on the heels of departed running back LJ Turner. If the Indians can find a way to replace their star, Catawba has a chance to start the season on a winning note.
My pick: Catawba
Elizabeth City State at Chowan | Murfreesboro, N.C. | 6:00 p.m. | Live Stats | Live Video
Another matchup with a storied history is on tap, as the two sides have met 14 times, with ECSU holding a 9-5 edge in the series. In the 2024 season opener, the Vikings narrowly secured a 12-9 victory at their home field. Both sides struggled defensively last season as the Hawks gave up 41.4 points per game in the Gulf South and Elizabeth City State surrendered 34.7 per game in the CIAA. Chowan stars Maurice Smith, Jr. and Jakobe Lane are back with another year of experience under their belt and a chance to open the season on a high note as they begin their Conference Carolinas era.
My pick: Chowan
Players to Watch
Jackson Parrish, Barton, So., RB – Parrish led Barton in rushing as a freshman in 2024 with 556 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground to earn All-SAC honors. Controlling the pace of play against Virginia State is a focal point for the Bulldogs on Thursday.
Evan VanMeter, UNC Pembroke, Grad., LB – Pembroke’s unquestioned defensive leader has 164 career tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He will be key in keeping the potent Wingate offense in check.
Maurice Smith, Jr., Chowan, Grad., QB – The dual-threat quarterback has another year under his belt in Murfreesboro and plenty of added weapons around him for 2025. Last season, Smith threw for 1,156 yards, rushing for 321 yards, and scored a combined nine touchdowns in just seven games. Opening the season against a weak ECSU defense provides Smith a chance to shine.