Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Trei Oliver, Head Football Coach at NC Central University. Since taking the reins at NCCU, the Eagles have seen stunning success, including winning the 2022 HBCU National title with a victory over Jackson St in the Celebration Bowl; making the FCS playoffs for their first-ever appearance in 2023; and rolling to an 8-3 record in 2024. Oliver received MEAC Coach of the Year honors in 2022 and 2023.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in NCCU—his parents, Colon and Evelyn Oliver, were both alumni, and his father played wide receiver for the Eagles in the 1960s—Oliver’s connection to the institution was almost inevitable.
Oliver played football at NCCU from 1994 to 1997, handling dual roles as a defensive back and punter. Over his collegiate career, he was selected all-conference or all-region in multiple seasons. In 1997, he posted a punting average of 41.7 yards, ranking among the best in NCCU history. He also contributed significantly on defense, finishing his playing days among NCCU’s career leaders in tackles and passes defended.
Oliver graduated from NCCU in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Later, he earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from Grambling State University in 2010.
Oliver launched his coaching career in 1999 at Delaware State University, where he served as defensive backs coach and assistant special teams coordinator from 1999 to 2002.
In 2003, he returned to NCCU as an assistant, wearing multiple hats: coaching defensive backs, wide receivers, overseeing special teams, and acting as recruiting coordinator. During his stint from 2003 to 2006, the Eagles won back-to-back CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) championships (2005, 2006), and in 2006 the team achieved an 11–1 record, earning an HBCU national title.
From 2007 to 2010, Oliver joined Grambling State University as outside linebackers coach, recruiting coordinator, and special teams coordinator. At Grambling, the staff won two SWAC West Division championships and secured the SWAC championship and national recognition in 2008.
He next moved to North Carolina A&T (2011–2015) as outside linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, the Aggies shared MEAC championships in 2014 and 2015, and won the inaugural Celebration Bowl in 2015, earning a black college national title.
From 2016 through 2018, Oliver was the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Southern University. In his final season, Southern captured the SWAC West Division championship and competed in the SWAC title game.
On December 13, 2018, NCCU announced the hiring of Oliver as its 24th head football coach, bringing an alum’s flair to the role. His contract began January 2, 2019. Since stepping into the head-coach role, Oliver has posted a cumulative record of 37–21 through the first five seasons (2019, 2021–2024). (There was no 2020 season due to COVID-19.) Under his leadership:
• In 2022, the Eagles went 10–2, shared the MEAC title, and defeated Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl to claim an HBCU national title. Oliver was named MEAC Coach of the Year.
• In 2023, NCCU went 9–3, again posting strong conference play and making its first-ever appearance in the FCS Playoffs. Oliver earned another MEAC Coach of the Year nod.
• In 2024, the team went 8–3 overall and 4–1 in MEAC.
Under Oliver, NCCU has consistently posted a 4–1 MEAC record in multiple seasons, and his teams have often secured non-conference victories over strong opponents.
Mark Your Calendar
(All Meetings at Croasdaile Country Club)
11/5/25 – A Special Guest Speaker
11/19/25 – Scott Bankhead, former MLB Pitcher
12/3/25 – Another Special Guest Speaker
12/17/25 – Durham Sports Club Annual Christmas event