North Carolina A&T Aggies football

Last updated

North Carolina A&T Aggies football
AmericanFootball current event.svg 2024 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team
North Carolina A&T Aggies logo.svg
First season1901;123 years ago (1901)
Athletic director Earl Hilton
Head coach Vincent Brown
1st season, 0–0 (–)
Stadium Truist Stadium
(capacity: 21,500)
Field surfaceNatural grass
Location Greensboro, North Carolina
NCAA division Division I FCS
Conference CAA Football
All-time record46642346 (.523)
Bowl record74 (.636)
Claimed national titles7 (black college):1968, 1990, 1999, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
Unclaimed national titles1 (black college): 1951
Conference titles12
Consensus All-Americans39
ColorsBlue and gold [1]
   
Fight song "Aggie Fight Song"
"Old Aggie Spirit"
MascotAggies
Website ncataggies.com

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, the technically separate football league operated by the Aggies' full-time home of the Coastal Athletic Association.

Contents

History

Early history (1901–1924)

Picture of the 1907 North Carolina A&T State University Football Team 1907 A&T Football Team.png
Picture of the 1907 North Carolina A&T State University Football Team

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. [2] In the program's early years, the team would sporadically field teams, having periods between 1907 and 1911; 1913; and 1917 where there 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. [3] It wasn't until 1923, that A&T's first coach of record, L.P. Byarm, would come along to lead the team. [4]

Byarm and Jefferson (1923–1932)

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 a record of 4–1–4, with their only loss coming from a 7–10 loss to West Virginia State to close the season. [5] 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. [6] 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 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. [7]

Inman A. Breaux era (1933–1939)

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. [8] 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 a 7–0 loss to Morgan State. In his six seasons with the Aggies, Breaux compiled a record of 28–17–8. [8]

Four coaches era (1940–1945)

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. [4] In 1943 DeBerry led 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.

Bell and Piggot (1946–1968)

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 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. [9] [10]

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 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. [9] 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. [11] Of those on 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. [9]

Howell, McKinley, and Forte (1968–1988)

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 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 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. [12] 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 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. [9]

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 was a total 29 wins, 32 losses and 1 tie with a highlight 9 wins and 3 losses for the 1980 season. [13] 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 the team's championship run. Harbison's 63 catches and 883 receiving yards would set a school record, that to this day still stands. [9] Forte's record with the Aggies would end at 26 wins, 38 losses, and 1 tie.

Bill Hayes era (1988–2002)

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, 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. [9] The 1992 season would prove to be another successful one for the Aggies. The team would again capture the MEAC conference championship, with a 9–3 record, and advance to the NCAA Division IAA playoffs, where they lost to The Citadel. [14] 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 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. [9]

Small, Fobbs and Lee (2003–2008)

In 2003, George Small was named head coach of the Aggies. That same season, the team won their sixth MEAC championship and earned a berth in the NCAA Division IAA playoffs, where they lost to Wofford in the first round. [15] 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 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. [16] The following week, the Aggies would go on to defeat rival Winston-Salem State. [17] Following those games, the Aggies resumed their losing trend as they lost 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. [16] 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 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. [18] 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 a 1–10 record, with their sole win coming from a 52–32 win over Howard University. [19] 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. [20]

Rod Broadway era (2011–2018)

In February 2011, after media reports of him turning down the offer, Rod Broadway became the 18th coach of the Aggie football program. [21] [22] In his first season with 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 the number of scholarships that could be offered to players. [23] 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. [24] The previous 2 seasons marked the first back-to-back winning seasons for the program since 2001. [25] In Broadway's fourth season as head coach, the Aggies would finish 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, 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. [26] The Aggies would finish the season 9–3, 7–1 in MEAC play to finish in second place, receiving an at-large bid to 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 the conclusion of the season, Rod Broadway announced his retirement finishing his A&T career with a seven-year record of 57–22. [27]

Recent history

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 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. [28] However, A&T announced a year later that it would join the all-sports Coastal Athletic Association in July 2022, with football remaining in the Big South until joining the CAA's technically separate football league, CAA Football, in 2023. [29]

Home stadium

Truist Stadium, opened in 1981, is the present Home of North Carolina A&T Football. Aggie Stadium (NCAT) Pressbox 2012-1.jpg
Truist Stadium, opened in 1981, is the present Home of North Carolina A&T Football.

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 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. [30] To date, the largest single-game attendance at Truist Stadium was set in 2001 when 34,769 people were in attendance for a football game against the rattlers of Florida A&M University.

Culture

A&T football has traditions that range from the long-standing, to new. The following are football traditions associated with the Aggie football program:

Marching band

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 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.

Mascot

"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 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. [31]

Traditions

At the conclusion of all home games, and away games in which 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 the community at large. The student organization occupies section R in the West grandstand of Aggie Stadium, next to the band.

Rivalries

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 a lesser degree with South Carolina State University.

North Carolina Central

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 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.

Winston-Salem State

The rivalry with Winston-Salem State 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 the transition to Division I citing financial reasons, this rivalry has been placed on hold for the foreseeable future. [32]

South Carolina State

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 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. [33] Currently, South Carolina State leads the series 32 wins to 14.

Individual honors

Players

MEAC Players of The Year

Coaches

Hornsby Howell (1974, 1975)
Jim Mckinley (1980)
Mo Forte (1986)
Bill Hayes (1991, 1999)
George Small (2003)
Rod Broadway (2017)

National awards

All-Americans

Below is a list of Walter Camp All-Americans selected by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.

Chris McNeil-1997

Below is a list of All Americans selected by The Associated Press (AP) [9]

NamePositionYear(s) All-America Team
Demetrius HarrisonLB19892nd Team
Craig ThompsonTE1991Honorable Mention
Curtis BurginsDB19933rd Team
James WhiteRB1993Honorable Mention
Ronald EdwardsOL1993Honorable Mention
Leevary CovingtonLB1993Honorable Mention
Tim JohnsonLB1994Honorable Mention
Chris McNeilDE19971st Team
Darryl KlughDB19992nd Team
Curtis Deloatch RS20011st Team
Maurice Hicks RB20013rd Team
Ronald CantyOL20142nd Team
Tarik Cohen RB2016 [34] 1st Team
Brandon Parker OL2016 [34] 2nd Team

Below is a list of All Americans selected by The American Urban Radio Network, American Sports Wire, Sheridan Black College Poll and other polls. [9]

NamePositionYear
John DanielsC1938
David MorrisDB1974
Dwaine Board E1978
George Small LB1978
Ed HookerDB1987
Demetrius HarrisonLB1989 [Notes 1]
Craig ThompsonTE1991
Kevin LittleDL1991
Knox ThompsonDL1991
Rodney EdwardsLB1992
Alonza BarnettDB1992
Ronald EdwardsOL1993
Curtis BurginsDB1994
Jamaine StephensOL1995
Monty KeyP1996
Chris McNeilDL1997 [Notes 2]
Darryl KlughDB1999
Anthony NoblesOL2000
Marcus BrysonTE2001
Maurice HicksRB2001
Qasim MitchellOL2001
Yonnick MatthewsK2003
Tarik Cohen RB2014
D'Vonte GrantLB2014
Cody JonesPK2014
Donald MattocksCB2014
Tony McRaeCB2014
William Ray Robinson IIIOL2014
Ronald CantyOL2014
Khris GardinWR2015 [Notes 3]

Buck Buchanan Award

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 the Division I-FCS.

YearWinnerPosition
1997 Chris McNeil DE

Team achievements

National championships

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.

YearCoachSelectorOverall recordConference record
1951 [Notes 4] William M. Bell Associated Negro Press 7–1–15–1 (CIAA)
1968 [Notes 5] Hornsby Howell Pittsburgh Courier 8–16–1 (CIAA)
1990 [Notes 6] Bill Hayes American Sports Wire9–25–2 (MEAC)
1999 Bill HayesAmerican Sports Wire11–28–0 (MEAC)
2015 Rod Broadway HSRN, BOXTOROW10–27–1 (MEAC)
2017 Rod BroadwayBOXTOROW12–08–0 (MEAC)
2018 Sam Washington BOXTOROW10–26–1 (MEAC)
2019 Sam WashingtonBOXTOROW9–36–2 (MEAC)
National championships7

Undefeated seasons

YearRecordConference recordCoach
19278–07–0 (CIAA) Lonnie P. Byarm
19437–02–0 (CIAA) Charles U. DeBerry
2017 12–08–0 (MEAC) Rod Broadway
Undefeated regular seasons3
Perfect seasons (no losses or ties)3

Conference championships

North Carolina A&T joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference as 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.

YearCoachConferenceOverall recordConference record
1927 Lonnie P. Byarm CIAA8–07–0
1950 William M. Bell CIAA6–2–15–0–1
1958 Bert C. Piggott CIAA7–27–0
1959Bert C. PiggottCIAA6–26–0
1964Bert C. PiggottCIAA6–3–16–0–1
1975 [Notes 7] Hornsby HowellMEAC8–35–1
1986 Mo Forte MEAC9–34–1
1991 Bill Hayes MEAC9–35–1
1992Bill HayesMEAC9–35–1
1999 Bill HayesMEAC11–28–0
2003 George Small MEAC10–36–1
2014 [Notes 8] Rod BroadwayMEAC9–36–2
2015 [Notes 9] Rod Broadway MEAC9–36–2
2017 Rod BroadwayMEAC12–08–0
2018 Sam Washington MEAC10–26–1
2019 [Notes 10] Sam WashingtonMEAC9–36–2
Total conference championships16 [6]

Bowl games

Date playedBowl GameWinning teamLosing team
January 1, 1943 Flower Bowl North Carolina A&T (20) Southern (12)
January 1, 1945 Flower Bowl Tyler Junior College (18)North Carolina A&T (0)
January 1, 1949 Vulcan Bowl Kentucky State (23)North Carolina A&T (3)
December 10, 1949 Orange Blossom Classic North Carolina A&T (20) Florida A&M (14)
December 2, 1978Gold Bowl Virginia Union (21)North Carolina A&T (6)
December 6, 1980Gold BowlNorth Carolina A&T (37) North Carolina Central (0)
December 21, 1991 Heritage Bowl Alabama State (36)North Carolina A&T (13)
December 19, 2015 Celebration Bowl North Carolina A&T (41) Alcorn State (34)
December 16, 2017 Celebration Bowl North Carolina A&T (21) Grambling (14)
December 15, 2018 Celebration Bowl North Carolina A&T (24) Alcorn State (22)
December 21, 2019 Celebration Bowl North Carolina A&T (64) Alcorn State (44)
Overall Bowl Record7–4 (11 games) [35]

NCAA Division I-AA/FCS playoff results

The Aggies have appeared in the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs five times with an overall record of 1–5.

YearRoundOpponentResult
1986 QuarterfinalsGeorgia SouthernL 21–52
1992 First RoundThe CitadelL 0–44
1999 First Round
Quarterfinals
Tennessee State
Youngstown State
W 24–10
L 3–41
2003 First RoundWoffordL 0–31
2016 First RoundRichmondL 10–39

All-time record vs. current MEAC teams

This table reflects the results of MEAC matchups when both N.C. A&T and its opponent were members of the conference. A&T began MEAC play in 1970; this list has been updated through the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season. [36]

OpponentWon LostTiedPercentageStreakFirst Meeting
Bethune-Cookman 14220.389lost 11977
Delaware State 20221.477Lost 11971
Florida A&M 44113.266Won 21938
Howard 25202.553Won 21924
Maryland Eastern Shore [Notes 11] [37] 13132.500Lost 11952
Morgan State 36433.457Lost 21930
Norfolk State 28110.718Won 11962
North Carolina Central 49315.606Won 31924
South Carolina State 18312.373Lost 11924
Totals23426319.472

Notable players

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.

Aggies in the pros

Aggies in the NFL
NFL Draft Selections
Total Selected35
First picks in draft0
1st Round1
Total Players61
In the Pro Bowl 4
In the Super Bowl, NFL or AFL Championship 3
Hall of Famers 3

Over 70 former North Carolina A&T players have gone on to play professionally for 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. [38] [39]

Other notable former Aggie football players include: Robert "Stonewall" Jackson, the first player from a Historically Black College to be drafted into the NFL; [40] Pro Bowl player J.D. Smith; [41] Super Bowl champions Dwaine Board, [42] Cornell Gordon, [43] Troy Pelshak; [44] and Hall of fame inductee Elvin Bethea [45] Brad Holmes, General Manager of the Detroit Lions [46]

Head coaching history

The Aggies have had 19 coaches in their 113-year history. William "Bill" Hayes holds the distinction of being the All-Time Winningest Coach in the program's history, with 106 victories. [6] 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. [47] 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, a feat unmatched by any coach in the history of the program. [9]

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. [9] In 2018, Sam Washington was named head coach after the retirement of Rod Broadway.

Future non-conference opponents

As a result of COVID-19, the MEAC canceled their 2020 MEAC football season. This resulted in 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. [48] 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. [49]

20242025202620272028202920302031
at North Carolina Central vs North Carolina Central at North Carolina Central vs North Carolina Central
(Duke's Mayo Classic)
at North Carolina Central vs North Carolina Central at North Carolina Central at Princeton
at Wake Forest (FBS)at Tennessee State vs Norfolk State at Norfolk State vs Tennessee State at Georgia (FBS)
vs Winston-Salem State
(Div II)
vs Furman at Georgia State (FBS)at NC State (FBS)at North Carolina (FBS)vs Princeton
vs SC State at UCF (FBS)

Notes

  1. In 1989 Demetrius Harrison was named Defensive Player of the Year
  2. In 1997 Chris McNeil was named Defensive Player of the Year
  3. In 2015, Gardin received All-American honors from STATS FCS (first team), BOXTOROW, and the FCS Athletics Directors Association.
  4. The 1951 black college national football championship was shared with Morris Brown.
  5. The 1968 black college national football championship was shared with Alcorn A&M.
  6. The 1990 black college national football championship was shared with Central State.
  7. The 1975 MEAC Championship was shared with the South Carolina State Bulldogs
  8. The 2014 MEAC Championship was shared between Bethune-Cookman, Morgan State, North Carolina Central & South Carolina State
  9. The 2015 MEAC Championship was shared between Bethune-Cookman and North Carolina Central
  10. The 2019 MEAC Championship was shared with South Carolina State
  11. Maryland Eastern Shore discontinued its football program in 1980.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference</span> American collegiate athletic conference

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is a collegiate athletic conference whose full members are historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the Southeastern and the Mid-Atlantic United States. It participates in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, and in football, in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corbett Sports Center</span> Arena in Greensboro, North Carolina, US

The Ellis F. Corbett Health, Physical Education and Recreation Center, usually called simply the Corbett Sports Center and popularly referred to as the "Dawg Pound", is a multi-purpose arena in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States, on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The complex is home to multiple North Carolina A&T Aggies athletic teams, including the men's and women's basketball teams as well as the women's volleyball and swimming teams. The complex, opened in 1978, is named after Ellis F. Corbett, a 1931 graduate of A&T. Affectionately known as "Mr.A&T", Corbett was, for many years, the director of public relations and executive secretary of the national alumni association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina A&T Aggies</span> Intercollegiate sports teams of North Carolina A&T State University

The North Carolina A&T Aggies are the athletic teams that represent North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. The Aggies compete in NCAA Division I and are members of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in all sports with the exception of football and women's bowling. North Carolina A&T fields varsity teams in 13 sports, five for men and eight for women. The football team competes in Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly known as Division I-AA, in the CAA's technically separate football arm of CAA Football.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina A&T–North Carolina Central rivalry</span> American college football rivalry

The North Carolina A&T–North Carolina Central rivalry is an ongoing series of athletic competitions between North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and North Carolina Central University, both of which are located in North Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Washington</span> American football player and coach (born 1960)

Samuel Lee Washington Jr. is an American football coach and former defensive back who was the head football coach at North Carolina A&T State University. Originally from Tampa, Florida, Washington played college football at Mississippi Valley State. After signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent, he played four seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals from 1982 to 1985.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team</span> American college football season

The 2011 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina A&T State University as a member of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during the 2011 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by first-year head coach Rod Broadway, the Aggies compiled an overall record of 5–6 with a mark of 4–4 in conference play, tying for sixth place in the MEAC. North Carolina A&T played home games at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina A&T Aggies baseball</span> American college baseball team

The North Carolina A&T Aggies baseball team represents the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in NCAA Division I college baseball. They compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Aggies play their home games at War Memorial Stadium, and are currently coached by Ben Hall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team</span> American college football season

The 2014 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina A&T State University as a member of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during the 2014 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by fourth-year head coach Rod Broadway, the Aggies compiled an overall record of 9–3 with a mark of 6–2 in conference play, placing in a five-way tie for the MEAC title with Bethune–Cookman, Morgan State, North Carolina Central, and South Carolina State. Morgan State received the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Football Championship. None of the other co-champions earned an at-large bid. North Carolina A&T played home games at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina A&T–Winston-Salem State rivalry</span> American college football rivalries

The North Carolina A&T–Winston-Salem State rivalry is an ongoing series of athletic competitions between historic rivals North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and Winston-Salem State University, both of which are located in the state of North Carolina. The intensity of the rivalry is driven by the proximity of the two schools, as both are only 30 miles apart via U.S. Interstate 40; the size of the two schools, as North Carolina A&T is the largest Historically Black College and University in the state and Winston-Salem State is the third largest; coaching personnel, and conference alignments, as both schools at one time were both members of either the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) or the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Although a less intense and bitter rivalry than that shared between North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central University, both A&T and WSSU fans placed great emphasis on this rivalry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina A&T–South Carolina State football rivalry</span> American college football rivalry game

The North Carolina A&T–South Carolina State football rivalry is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Aggies of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the Bulldogs of South Carolina State University. The series dates back to 1924 and is driven by the proximity of the two schools, as both are within The Carolinas; and conference alignments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team</span> American college football season

The 2015 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina A&T State University as a member of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during the 2015 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by fifth-year head coach Rod Broadway, the Aggies compiled an overall record of 10–2 with a mark of 7–1 in conference play, placing in a three-way tie for the MEAC title with Bethune–Cookman and North Carolina Central. North Carolina A&T was invited to inaugural Celebration Bowl, where the Aggies defeated Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), champion Alcorn State, earning the program's fourth black college football national championship. North Carolina A&T played home games at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Celebration Bowl</span> College football game

The 2015 Celebration Bowl was a post-season American college football bowl game played on December 19, 2015 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The inaugural Celebration Bowl game pitted the North Carolina A&T Aggies, co-champion of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, against the Alcorn State Braves, champion of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The event was the finale of the 2015 FCS football season for both conferences as their champions abstained from the NCAA Division I FCS football playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team</span> American college football season

The 2016 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina A&T State University as a member of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during the 2016 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by sixth-year head coach Rod Broadway, the Aggies compiled an overall record of 9–3 with a mark of 7–1 in conference play, placing second in the MEAC. North Carolina A&T received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs, where the Aggies lost in the first round to Richmond. North Carolina A&T played home games at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team</span> American college football season

The 2017 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season. This season marked the 94th for the program, and the final season for head coach Rod Broadway, who retired at the season's end. The Aggies finished the season undefeated with a record of 12–0, 8–0 in MEAC play, capturing their ninth conference title. The Aggies also earned an invitation to the Celebration Bowl where they defeated Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Grambling, earning their fifth black college football national championship. The Aggies played their home games at Aggie Stadium and were members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

The 1999 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina A&T State University as a member of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during the 1999 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by 11th-year head coach Bill Hayes, the Aggies compiled an overall record of 11–2 with a mark of 8–0 in conference play, winning the MEAC title. North Carolina A&T earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship playoffs, where the Aggies beat Tennessee State in the first round before losing to eventual national runner-up, Youngstown State, in the quarterfinals. The team's performance earned them the program's third black college football national championship. North Carolina A&T played home games at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The 1990 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina A&T State University as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during the 1990 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by second-year head coach Bill Hayes, the Aggies compiled an overall record of 9–2 with a mark of 6–1 in conference play, placing second in the MEAC. The team's performance earned them the program's second black college football national championship, sharing the title with the Central State Marauders. North Carolina A&T played home games at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team</span> American college football season

The 2018 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University as member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in the 2018 NCAA Division I FCS football season. This season marked the 95th for the program, which was led by first-year head coach Sam Washington. The Aggies finished the season with a record of 9–2 and 6–1 in MEAC play, capturing their tenth conference title. The Aggies also earned an invitation to the Celebration Bowl where they defeated Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Alcorn State, earning their sixth black college football national championship. The Aggies played their home games at the newly renamed BB&T Stadium. They are a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Celebration Bowl</span> College football bowl game

The 2018 Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl was a college football bowl game that was played on December 15, 2018, with kickoff at 12:00 p.m. EST. It was the first game of the 2018–19 bowl season, and the only bowl to feature FCS teams. It was the fourth edition of the Celebration Bowl and the final game of the 2018 NCAA Division I FCS football season for the participating teams. The Air Force Reserve resumed its role as the title sponsor after a one-year absence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team</span> American college football season

The 2019 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in the 2019 NCAA Division I FCS football season. This marked the 96th season for the program, and the Aggies were led by second-year head coach Sam Washington. The Aggies finished the season with a record of 9–3 overall and 6–2 in MEAC play, capturing their 11th conference title. The Aggies also earned an invitation to the Celebration Bowl where they defeated Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Alcorn State, earning their seventh black college football national championship. The Aggies played their home games at BB&T Stadium.

References

  1. "North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Graphic and Editorial Standards and Guidelines" . Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  2. "NC A&T Yearly Results- 1901". College Football Warehouse. Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  3. "NC A&T Yearly Results- 1915–1919". College Football Warehouse. Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  4. 1 2 "North Carolina A&T Coaching Records". College Football Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  5. "North Carolina A&T Yearly Results (1920–1924)". College Football Date Warehouse. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 "2009 NC A&T Aggies Football Media Guide" (PDF). North Carolina A&T Athletics. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  7. "Harry R. Jefferson Records by Year". College Football Database. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  8. 1 2 "Inman A. Breaux Coaching Records". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "2013 NC A&T Football Media Guide" (PDF). ncataggies.com. NC A&T Athletics. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  10. "NC A&T Yearly Results-1950". college football data warehouse. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  11. "NC A&T Yearly Results – 1964". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  12. "History of the MEAC" (PDF). Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  13. The Sports Network Archived 2011-05-25 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina A&T Football Records
  14. "North Carolina A&T Yearly Results (1990–1994)". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  15. "North Carolina A&T Yearly Results (2000–2004)". College Football Data Warehousee. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  16. 1 2 "North Carolina A&T Fires Football Coach". USA Today. Associated Press. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  17. "2008 NC A&T past schedule" . Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  18. "Alonzo Lee Bio". ncataggies.com. North Carolina A&T Athletics. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  19. "North Carolina A&T Yearly Records (2010–2014)". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  20. "N.C. A&T Fires Coach Alonzo Lee After 1–10 Season". ncaa.com. National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  21. "Broadway spurns A&T; will remain Grambling's football coach". MEAC/SWAC SPORTS MAIN STREET. January 28, 2011. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  22. "Broadway Named Aggie Head Football Coach". MEAC Media Relations. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  23. Morrison, David (June 11, 2013). "N.C. A&T football emerges free of APR penalties for first time since '08". News & Record. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  24. "Aggies Bring The Fireworks, Upset App St". ncataggies.com. North Carolina A&T Sports Information. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  25. "Rod Broadway Bio". ncataggies.com. North Carolina A&T Sports Information. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  26. "Kent offense staggers, defense wilts in home opening loss". September 11, 2016.
  27. "N.C. A&T's Rod Broadway announces retirement from coaching | Sports News | journalnow.com".
  28. Newsome, John. "N.C. A&T trustees approve move to Big South Conference". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
  29. "CAA Welcomes North Carolina A&T as Newest Member of the Conference" (Press release). Colonial Athletic Association. February 22, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  30. Blue Death Valley: The History of Aggie Stadium
  31. Dr. Albert W. Spruill. "Origins of The Aggie Bulldog". Bluedeathvalley.com. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  32. "With Deficits Mounting, Winston-Salem State Steps Back From Division I". The Chronicle of Higher Education . Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  33. "North Carolina A&T Yearly Results (2000–2004)". college football data warehouse. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  34. 1 2 "FCS Football: AP releases 2016 FCS All-America Team". NCAA.com. NCAA. December 15, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  35. "North Carolina A&T Bowl History". College Football Database. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  36. "North Carolina A&T Opponents". College Football Database. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  37. "A Brief History of UMES Football". University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  38. "North Carolina A&T Players/Alumni | Pro-Football-Reference.com". Pro-Football-Reference.com .
  39. "2010 NC A&T Football Media Guide" (PDF). ncataggies.com. North Carolina A&T Athletics. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  40. "Robert "Stonewall" Jackson – NCCU Hall of Fame Bio". North Carolina Central University. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  41. "J.D. Smith Bio". National Football League. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  42. "Dwaine Board Bio". National Football League. Archived from the original on October 25, 2011. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  43. "Cornell Gordon Bio". National Football League e. Archived from the original on April 19, 2010. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  44. "Troy Pelshak Statistics". Just Sports Stats. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  45. "Elvin Bethea Pro Football Hall of Fame profile". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  46. "The Official Site of the Detroit Lions". www.detroitlions.com. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  47. "William Hayes – Greensboro Sports Commission". Greensboro Sports Commission. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  48. Sirera, Joe. "WSSU and N.C. A&T to play football again in 2024". Winston-Salem Journal. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  49. "NCCU, NC A&T sign 10-year football agreement". WRALSportsFan.com. December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2020.