The East Carolina Pirates are heading into a challenging rebuilding year after a 9‑4 record in 2025 was followed by a mass exodus of 24 players through the transfer portal, including star running back London Montgomery and safety Ja’Marley Riddle. The departures have left the program with a largely untested roster and a sense of uncertainty heading into the upcoming season.
A Troubled Offseason
Offensive coordinator John David Baker departed for Ole Miss, and Jordan Davis, who had been listed as the offensive coordinator at North Texas in name only, has taken the reins. Davis’s previous tenure featured an up‑tempo air raid system that averaged 44.8 points per game in 2026, a stark contrast to the Pirates’ previous style. Eric Morris, the North Texas head coach, served as the de facto play‑caller, weaving gap‑based run concepts inspired by the late Mike Leach into the scheme.
Quarterback Mitch Griffis, a sixth‑year senior, struggled at Wake Forest, throwing for just over 1,500 yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions while enduring 34 sacks before being benched. To replace him, Emory Williams, a transfer from Miami, has been added, bringing size and arm talent but also a history of inconsistent performance when the starter was sidelined. Meanwhile, receiver Brock Spalding, the preseason All‑AAC selection, returns as the team’s top target after posting the third‑most receptions last year.
On the defensive side, former Memphis defensive coordinator Jordon Hankins has taken over play‑calling duties, implementing a 3‑high safety look that proved difficult to scheme against in the past. Blake Harrell, the new defensive mind, is known for his ability to adapt schemes year after year, and he inherits a unit composed mostly of unknown players. Safety Zyeir Gamble, a preseason All‑AAC selection from Appalachian State, is the only defensive player with recognized All‑conference pedigree.
Betting markets reflect the disparity in talent. Fanduel lists Alabama as a 27.5‑point favorite with an over/under of 52.5, suggesting a projected final score near 40‑12. Analysts expect Alabama’s secondary to dominate, while the Pirates’ defense could keep the game competitive early, with reasonable score predictions ranging from 25‑6 to 42‑7.