N.C. A&T has won four of the five Celebration Bowls, including the last three in a row.
N.C. A&T was a founding member of the MEAC, which began in the 1971-72 school year.
GREENSBORO — The Aggies are changing leagues.
N.C. A&T, a founding member of the MEAC in 1971, will announce Friday it is leaving the conference for the Big South.
The move is pending approval of A&T’s board of trustees, which meets Friday morning. If that approval happens, A&T plans to hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Friday to formally announce the change of leagues, according to a source inside the university who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Aggies’ bowling team would remain in the MEAC, the source said, but all other sports would move to the Big South effective July 1, 2021.
That would make the 2020-21 school year A&T’s last season in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, a league with 11 full members that are all historically black colleges and universities.
The Big South, meanwhile, has 11 full members, all in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. That’s an obvious appeal for travel for A&T athletics with High Point, Gardner-Webb, Campbell and Asheville all in-state trips.
A&T and Hampton, which left the MEAC in 2017, would be the only two HBCUs in the Big South.
The Big South is an FCS league that also has three associate members — Monmouth, Kennesaw State and North Alabama — for football only. A&T would give the league nine football teams.
The move would end A&T’s affiliation with the Celebration Bowl, which matches the champions of the MEAC and SWAC and serves as a de facto black college football national championship game. The Aggies have won four of the first five Celebration Bowls, including the last three in a row.
The Big South’s football champion is an automatic qualifier for the FCS playoffs.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Kwe Parker drives to the basket as S.C. State's Ozante Fields defends at Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Ronald Jackson dunks in the first half during the game with S.C. State at Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Tyrone Lyons commits a charge against S.C. State's Ozante Fields at Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Kameron Langley lays in two-points in the first half of the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
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N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T men's head basketball coach Will Jones directs his players during the first half of the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Andre Jackson and Ronald Jackson (21) box in S.C. State's Zacchaeus Sellers during the first half of the game at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Ronald Jackson goes up for a dunk as time expires in the first half of the game against S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Tyrone Lyons dances for his teammates during warm-ups before the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's pep band performs before the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T men's head basketball coach Will Jones questions a call during the first half of the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T men's head basketball coach Will Jones directs his players during the first half of the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
It's unknown if North Carolina A&T basketball fans will be able to see the Aggies play any of their six home games in 2021.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Devin Haygood battles for position as a teammate takes a free-throw during the first half of the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Tyrone Lyons and S.C. State's Ian Kinard battle for a loose ball during the second half of the game at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Andre Jackson, right, gets a high-five from Kameron Langley during the second half of the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Kwe Parker finishes a dunk during the second half of the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Devin Haygood blocks S.C. State's Tariq Simmons shot during the second half of the game at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. applauds his team during the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Andre Jackson flies to the basket over S.C. State's defense during the second half of the game at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
North Carolina A&T's Kameron Langley lays on the floor in pain after being fouled and falling to the floor during the second half of the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
N.C. A&T Men's Basketball
A North Carolina A&T fan dances in the bleachers during the second half of the game with S.C. State at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, February 3, 2020.
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N.C. A&T's Jacob Roberts celebrates at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T celebrates their win against Alcorn State at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Ron Hunt makes touchdown against Alcorn State's at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Korey Banks (right) makes a catch past Alcorn State's Taurence Wilson at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Jacob Roberts, Derrek Williams and Chris Moseley (left to right) celebrate a touchdown at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Jah-Maine Martin pulls away to make a touchdown at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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Alcorn State's Chris Monroe (left) is tackled by N.C. A&T's Kyin Howard at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Alex Fumbah (right) tackles Alcorn State's Chris Blair at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's players hug in the last minute of the game at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Najee Reams (right) tackles Alcorn State's Thaddeus Peyton at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Blue and Gold Marching performs at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T celebrates after winning against Alcorn State at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's fans cheer them on as they head back to the locker room at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Blue and Gold Marching performs at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Taymon Cooke runs to score a touchdown against Alcorn State at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Blue and Gold Marching performs at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Golden Delight performs at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Ron Hunt makes a touchdown against Alcorn State at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's fans cheer at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's cheerleaders celebrate a touchdown at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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Alcorn State's Chris Blair (top) is tackled by N.C., A&T's Derrek Williams at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Golden Delight performs at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Ron Hunt celebrates a touchdown against Alcorn State at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Korey Banks tosses the ball after making a touchdown at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Golden Delight performs at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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An N.C. A&T fan holds a sign at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Kylil Carter makes a pass at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's drumline gets ready for their halftime performance at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Quinzel Lockhart (left) and Korey Banks celebrate a touchdown at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Amir McNeill (left) returns a fumbled extra-point snap as Derrek Williams cheers him on at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Korey Banks (right) is tackled by Alcorn State's Taurence Wilson at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's coach Sam Washington dances at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Jacob Roberts celebrates a touchdown against Alcorn State at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Amir McNeill (left) returns a fumbled extra-point snap as Najee Reams cheers him on at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's coach Sam Washington hugs Alcorn State's coach Fred McNair at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Alcorn State's at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Golden Delight performs at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Ron Hunt beams at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Elijah Bell celebrates a touchdown against Alcorn State's at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Amir McNeill returns a fumbled extra-point snap at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Blue and Gold Marching performs at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Elijah Bell celebrates a touchdown at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Amir McNeill scoops up a fumble at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Korey Banks points at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's Blue and Gold Marching performs at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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N.C. A&T's fans cheer at the 2019 Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, G.A., on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
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Contact Jeff Mills at (336) 373-7024, and follow @JeffMillsNR on Twitter.
