An Update From AD Jon Gilbert

Pirate Nation:

"That's a special atmosphere tonight. We need another special one next week, to get this thing done together. And I think that's the biggest word, I use - together, us, and that's just not our locker room, but that's everybody - making that thing rock and make Dowdy the special place that it is."
Head Coach Blake Harrell following win against Charlotte

I hope you are as excited as I am for Saturday's Senior Day matchup against Memphis. There are countless reasons to be energized heading into the weekend. We have a team that is bowl eligible for the second straight season, tied for first place in the conference with three games remaining, and riding a three-game win streak.

What truly excites me is the direction of our football program under Coach Harrell's leadership. We have a group of young men who value being Pirates and have strung together a remarkable run - winning 11 of their last 15 games, including a bowl win over NC State. They've earned the opportunity to play a meaningful November home game in front of Pirate Nation.

In today's new era of collegiate athletics, maintaining momentum is critical as we begin shaping the 2026 roster. That process is well underway.

The time is now.

From day one, I have said we are going to lead with football. Investing in our football program is essential to the success of our entire athletics department. My responsibility is to ensure Coach Harrell and his staff have the resources necessary to compete at a championship level.

With the generosity of our University and Pirate Nation, we have a unique opportunity in front of us. The foundation is strong, the culture is right, and the belief is real.

The football transfer portal is open January 2-16. This portal window, player retention and our incoming freshman class will set the tone for the future of our football program. We are going to be strategic and aggressive in our approach.

As we continue building momentum, here are a few key avenues where you can directly support Coach Harrell and our student-athletes:

Join the Purple & Gold Society – This philanthropic giving opportunity provides donors with unique experiences and opportunities within ECU Athletics. Donor advised funds, stock gifts and matching gifts are all accepted within this society and gifts are not tied to tickets or parking, keeping your investment tax deductible.
Make a gift to the Athletics Excellence Fund – Every contribution, regardless of amount, strengthens our programs.
Set up a monthly draft - Call the Pirate Club at (252) 737-4540 to establish an ongoing commitment to the Athletics Excellence Fund.

Senior Day Festivities
It's shaping up to be another pleasant weekend with temperatures in the mid-60s. We have two special Senior Day ticket offers, and our premium areas are nearing capacity. Sales have surged since the Charlotte win, and we are hopeful the momentum will continue throughout the week.

Here's a list of the game day entertainment and the recognitions that will take place:

Parking lots open at 10:00 a.m.
Tailgate Plaza will open at 10:00 a.m. with The Embers featuring Craig Woolard performing beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The Pirate Walk will begin at 1:55 p.m.
Senior Day festivities on the field will begin 3:40 p.m.

Help us make Saturday a day to remember for our Senior class.

Go Pirates!

Jon

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