The East Carolina Pirates (3-2) visit the UAB Blazers (3-3) on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, and the game airs on ESPN. DraftKings lists the spread at ECU -4.5 with a total of 48.5; moneylines are East Carolina -192 · UAB +160. Below is our East Carolina vs UAB preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
East Carolina vs UAB Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | East Carolina at UAB |
| Records | East Carolina 3-2 · UAB 3-3 |
| Spread | ECU -4.5 |
| Moneyline | East Carolina -192 · UAB +160 |
| Total | 48.5 |
| Venue | Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL |
| Date/Time | Thursday, October 15, 2026 · 7:30 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | ESPN |
| Head Coaches | East Carolina: HC Blake Harrell, OC Jordan Davis · UAB: HC Alex Mortensen, OC Alex Mortensen |
East Carolina Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The East Carolina Pirates are 3-2 overall, 1-0 in American play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 48-10 at Alabama; Sep 12 — L 27-24 vs App State; Sep 19 — W 20-17 at Old Dominion; Sep 26 — W 42-9 vs North Carolina Central; Oct 10 — W 28-12 vs Rice. Most recently, East Carolina beat Rice 28-12 at home. Through 5 games, East Carolina is averaging 24.8 points scored and 22.6 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Blake Harrell (head coach since 2024). Offensive coordinator: Jordan Davis. Defensive coordinator: Jordan Hankins.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Emory Williams (QB) — 50/77, 529 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: TJ Engleman Jr. (RB) — 45 carries, 386 yards, 3 TD
- Receiving leader: Ray Ray Joseph Jr. (WR) — 25 receptions, 267 yards, 2 TD
- Sacks leader: Jasiyah Robinson (DL) — 2.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: DJ Johnson Jr. (LB) — 37 total tackles
Strengths: Momentum from a 28-12 win over Rice. Questions: Handling a road trip to Protective Stadium.
UAB Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The UAB Blazers are 3-3 overall, 1-1 in American play. Results to date: Sep 3 — L 42-23 at Illinois; Sep 12 — W 26-20 vs UL Monroe; Sep 19 — L 21-14 at Louisiana; Sep 25 — W 24-20 vs Navy; Oct 3 — W 33-14 vs Samford; Oct 10 — L 38-13 at Memphis. Most recently, UAB lost to Memphis 38-13 on the road. Through 6 games, UAB is averaging 22.2 points scored and 25.8 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Alex Mortensen (head coach since 2025). Alex Mortensen also serves as offensive coordinator. Defensive coordinator: Todd Grantham.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Ryder Burton (QB) — 72/130, 922 yards, 4 TD, 5 INT
- Rushing leader: Rod Robinson II (RB) — 93 carries, 403 yards
- Receiving leader: Ty Mims (WR) — 17 receptions, 302 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Marlin Dean (LB) — 5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Muaaz Byard (LB) — 54 total tackles
Strengths: A pass rush paced by Marlin Dean (5 sacks). Questions: A defense allowing 25.8 points per game; ball security at quarterback (5 interceptions for Ryder Burton); the response to a 38-13 loss at Memphis.
How to Watch East Carolina vs UAB
- Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
- TV / Streaming: ESPN
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN as of October 12, 2026 2:12 AM PT (Arizona time). Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.