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Durham: NCCU beats Delaware State 31-12 in MEAC opener

North Carolina Central won 31-12 on Friday at Alumni Stadium in Dover. Gino Addison ran for 214 yards and two scores. NCCU is 3-5 (1-0 MEAC). Delaware State is 4-4 (0-1).

ConfirmedThe main facts are confirmed by official or first-hand sources.

By Triangle Local Newsroom · Published

The downtown Durham skyline under an overcast sky

File photo: Discover Durham (CC BY 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

What we know

Confirmed

  • North Carolina Central beat Delaware State 31-12 on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at Alumni Stadium in Dover, Delaware.Confirmed by NCCU Athletics recap and box score; NCCU Athletics schedule
  • The line score was NCCU 7-3-7-14 and Delaware State 6-0-0-6.Confirmed by NCCU Athletics box score and recap
  • Kyree Benton ran 26 yards for Delaware State's first score. Zion Dobson's 5-yard run and Riley Daniels' extra point put NCCU ahead 7-6.Confirmed by NCCU Athletics box score and recap
  • Daniels made a 25-yard field goal before halftime, 10-6. Gino Addison scored on runs of 6 and 16 yards. Cobey Thompkins threw a 21-yard touchdown to Luke Bracey.Confirmed by NCCU Athletics box score and recap
  • Addison carried 31 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns. Thompkins threw for 155 yards and one score.Confirmed by NCCU Athletics recap and box score
  • After the game, NCCU is 3-5 overall and 1-0 in the MEAC. Delaware State is 4-4 and 0-1.Confirmed by NCCU Athletics recap, box score and schedule
  • NCCU next hosts Howard on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.Confirmed by NCCU Athletics recap and 2026 football schedule

What happened

North Carolina Central beat Delaware State 31-12 on Friday at Alumni Stadium in Dover.

The Eagles are 3-5 overall and 1-0 in the MEAC. Delaware State is 4-4 and 0-1. NCCU's recap, box score and schedule all list that final. ESPN's score listing matches it.

How the scoring went

Delaware State scored first. Kyree Benton ran 26 yards. The kick after that play was no good, 6-0.

Zion Dobson ran 5 yards and Riley Daniels converted, 7-6. Daniels later made a 25-yard field goal, 10-6 at the half.

Gino Addison scored on a 6-yard run after the break and a 16-yard run later. Cobey Thompkins threw 21 yards to Luke Bracey. The Eagles led 31-6 before a late Delaware State run.

Addison finished with 31 carries, 214 yards and two touchdowns. Thompkins threw for 155 yards and one score.

What's next

NCCU hosts Howard on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, the recap and schedule say.

This site is not NCCU Athletics.

Why it matters

NCCU is Durham's FCS program. Friday's road win opened MEAC play and ended a four-game losing streak.

Sources

  1. Addison Rushes Eagles to MEAC-Opening Road Win (game recap: 31-12; Addison 31 carries, 214 yards, two touchdowns; Thompkins 155 yards, one score; Howard Oct. 31, 2 p.m.)

    Official sourcePublished by NCCU Athletics · Checked Oct 24, 2026, 8:00 AM

  2. Football vs Delaware State on 10/23/2026, box score (31-12; scoring summary; Addison 214 yards; Thompkins 155)

    Official sourcePublished by NCCU Athletics · Checked Oct 24, 2026, 8:00 AM

  3. 2026 Football Schedule (Delaware State W, 31-12; vs. Howard, Oct. 31, 2 p.m.; 3-5, 1-0 MEAC)

    Official sourcePublished by NCCU Athletics · Checked Oct 24, 2026, 8:00 AM

  4. North Carolina Central 31-12 Delaware State (Oct 23, 2026) Box Score

    Published by ESPN · Checked Oct 24, 2026, 8:00 AM

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