DURHAM, N.C. -- After improving its record to 8-2 and clinching at least a share of the MEAC championship, North Carolina Central has returned to the national rankings at No. 25 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS Coaches' Top 25 Poll, announced on Monday.

Following NCCU's 48-14 road win over Norfolk State on Saturday, the Eagles celebrated their first conference title in six seasons and were presented with an invitation to represent the MEAC in the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 17 in Atlanta.

Earlier this season, thanks to a 3-0 start, NCCU moved into the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll at No. 25 on Sept. 19, which represented the Eagles' first regular-season national ranking since Oct. 16, 2017.

Under the leadership of head coach Trei Oliver, NCCU leads the nation in red zone defense (64.5%) and third down conversions (58.0%), and ranks fifth in the country in scoring offense, averaging 40.0 points per game. The Eagles are also positioned among the FCS leaders in total offense at 13th with an average of 450.3 yards per contest and total defense at 18th with 323.8 yards allowed per outing. 

Before heading to the Celebration Bowl, NCCU (8-2, 4-1 MEAC) closes out its regular season at Tennessee Tech on Nov. 19.