WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Norfolk State Spartans closed out the 2025 season with a 44-15 loss to the Howard Bison on Saturday afternoon at Audi Field. The defeat drops the Spartans to 1-11 overall and 0-5 in MEAC play.

Senior running back Kevon King led the Spartans on the ground with 96 rushing yards, while Kam'ryn Thomas and DreSean Kendrick combined for 165 receiving yards, highlighted by a touchdown grab from Thomas. Defensively, Nashir Bashir turned in a standout performance with two interceptions for 45 return yards.

NSU opened the game with a strong, efficient nine-play, 78-yard scoring drive. DreSean Kendrick sparked the possession with a 13-yard run and a 22-yard reception, followed by a 12-yard catch by JJ Evans. X'Zavion Evans capped the drive with an 11-yard rushing touchdown to give Norfolk State a 7-0 lead, the lone score of the first quarter.

Howard answered early in the second, punching in a four-yard rushing score, but the Spartans immediately swung momentum back their way, blocking the extra point and returning it for a defensive safety to take a 9-6 advantage.

The Bison seized control from there, scoring 17 unanswered points to take a 23-9 lead into halftime. HU added another four-yard rushing touchdown, a seven-yard passing score, and a 27-yard field goal to close the half.

Howard extended its lead in the third quarter, consuming six minutes on a methodical touchdown drive to go up 30-9. After a quick NSU four-and-out, the Bison struck again as Anthony Reagan broke free for a 56-yard rushing touchdown, widening the margin to 37-9.

The Spartans halted the run when Parker Lancaster delivered a 34-yard touchdown strike to Thomas, trimming the deficit to 37-15 with under four minutes left in the third quarter.

Howard added one final touchdown in the fourth to secure the win.