North Carolina Central
Eagles
2-5
Spread
+5.5
NCAAF Predictions
North Carolina Central Eagles vs Delaware State Hornets Predictions
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 5:00pm EST at Alumni Stadium (DE), Dover, DE
@
Delaware State
Hornets
4-3
Spread
-5.5
50%
50%
Spread
North Carolina Central Eagles +5.5
Delaware State Hornets -5.5
Moneyline
North Carolina Central Eagles +179
Delaware State Hornets -228
Total
Over 55.5 (-110)
Under 55.5 (-112)
Professional Picks
0 available
Professional Picks On This Game
No professional picks are available for this matchup.
North Carolina Central vs. Delaware State Prediction: Hornets Favored by 5.5
Analysis updated October 22, 2026 at 7:28 AM CDT
Delaware State brings a winning record and a shutout victory into its matchup with North Carolina Central, which has lost four straight.
Recent form points to Delaware State
Delaware State enters Friday’s game at 4-3 after beating Franklin Pierce 34-0. North Carolina Central is 2-5 following four consecutive losses, most recently a 17-14 defeat to William & Mary. That contrast makes the Hornets the likelier winner, but it does not show that they can cover the 5.5-point spread.
North Carolina Central University Athletics reports that the Eagles rushed for a season-high 282 yards against William & Mary. Gino Addison ran for 169 yards on 22 carries, while quarterback Cobey Thompkins added 98. Another productive rushing game could help the Eagles limit possessions and stay within the spread, but one performance is not enough to recommend North Carolina Central +5.5.
Why the best bet is Pass
Delaware State quarterback Ui Ale has thrown for 1,050 yards and four touchdowns, completed nearly 61% of his passes and averaged 42.5 rushing yards per game. His ability to run gives North Carolina Central another threat to contain. Safety Kemari Nix has added 47 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for the Hornets.
The available information does not include confirmed starters, injuries or broader season statistics that would support Delaware State -5.5, its -228 moneyline or either side of the 55.5 total. Delaware State is the pick to win, but Pass is the betting lean.
Pick
Delaware State Hornets
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass