| NORFOLK STATE [1-7, 0-1 MEAC] vs. DELAWARE STATE [5-3, 1-0 MEAC] |
| Date / Time |
Thursday, October 30th, 2025 | 7:00 PM |
| Location |
Norfolk, Va. | William "Dick" Price Stadium |
| Tickets |
Purchase Tickets Here |
| TV / Streaming |
ESPNU |
| Radio |
Hot 91.1 FM (WNSB) |
| Live Stats |
dsuhornets.com |
| Norfolk State |
Game Notes |
| Delaware State |
N/A |
| All-Time Series |
8-18 |
| First Meeting |
1953 (L, 0-18) |
| Last Meeting |
11/16/2024 (W, 39-18) |
| Longest Series Winning Streak |
3 (2009-11 & 2017-190 |
| Current Streak |
W2 |
| Social Media |
Twitter - X | Instagram | Facebook |
NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State football team returns to action under the lights for Thursday Night Football when the Spartans face Delaware State at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Oct. 30, with live coverage on ESPNU.
About the Game
Thursday's contest marks the 27th meeting between Norfolk State and Delaware State, with the Hornets holding an 18-8 advantage in the all-time series.
Dubbed the HBCU Battle of the Legends, the matchup features two former Philadelphia Eagles teammates now leading Division 1 HBCU programs in Norfolk State's Michael Vick and Delaware State's DeSean Jackson, both in their first seasons as collegiate head coaches.
Norfolk State Outlook
Norfolk State (1-7, 0-1 MEAC) enters the matchup following a tough 51-20 homecoming loss to South Carolina State at William "Dick" Price Stadium.
The Spartans totaled 291 yards of offense, highlighted by quarterback Otto Kuhns, who threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns on 10-of-18 passing. J.J. Evans led the receiving corps with four catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns, while X'Zavion Evans added a 66-yard scoring grab and 48 rushing yards on 11 carries.
Defensively, Daylan Long and Major Dillard paced the unit with eight tackles apiece. Makai Frisby recorded his second interception in as many games to continue his strong stretch in the secondary.
Delaware State Outlook
Delaware State (5-3, 1-0 MEAC) rides a two-game winning streak into Thursday's matchup, following victories over Southern Connecticut State (70-23) and North Carolina Central (35-26).
The Hornets are led by quarterback Kaiden Bennett, a true dual threat who has thrown for 945 yards and rushed for 424 this season. Bennett ranks among the national FCS leaders, sitting eighth in rushing touchdowns (10), 11th in total touchdowns (20) and scoring average (8.6 points per game), and 20th in total points (60).
Graduate running back Marquis Gillis provides a powerful complement in the ground game, rushing for 831 yards and seven touchdowns while ranking seventh nationally in total rushing yards (849), eighth in both yards per carry (6.79) and rushing yards per game (106.1), 16th in total touchdowns (9), 19th in rushing scores (8), and 20th in all-purpose yards (117.6 per game).
Defensively, Brian Bates leads Delaware State with 60 tackles, including 26 solo stops. Jaydon Mifflin anchors the defensive front with four sacks (18 yards), an interception, and a pass breakup.
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X/Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.
