Military Bowl fight: Stolen towel sparks NC State-East Carolina brawl

The ending of Saturday's Military Bowl between NC State and East Carolina erupted into a fight in the game's final minute.

With the Pirates looking to kneel out a 26-21 win over the Wolfpack, ECU freshman receiver Yannick Smith grabbed a towel off of NC State nickelback Tamarcus Cooley. The NC State defensive back went after Smith, trying to get the towel back, eventually pushing the receiver over, prompting ECU tight end Casey Kelly to push Cooley off of Smith.

Players and staff from both teams showed up, appearing to attempt to diffuse the situation. However, a fight quickly broke out, with several players appearing to throw punches.

Both teams were called for unsportsmanlike conduct, and each saw players get ejected: three players for ECU and five players for NC State. The fight also led to umpire Rod Tucker (per Football Zebras) receiving a gash under his left eye, which required medical attention on the field.

It remained second down, and ECU eventually finished the game with a 26-21 win. The Pirates and Wolfpack open their respective 2025 college football seasons against each other on Saturday, Aug. 30, in Raleigh.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Military Bowl brawl: NC State, ECU fight on field