Norfolk State Opens 2025 Season Against Towson Under the Lights

The wait is over. Norfolk State football begins a new chapter Thursday night when the Spartans host Towson at William “Dick” Price Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPNU, marking the start of the Michael Vick era. 

The game represents more than just a season opener. It’s the first time Norfolk State has started a campaign at home since 2023, and it comes on a national stage against a regional rival. The Spartans and Tigers have met three times previously, with Towson holding the edge in the series. A win would give Norfolk State its first season-opening victory since 2018.

Vick, the former NFL star and Newport News native, takes over a program hungry to return to winning ways. Norfolk State finished 4-8 in 2024, but four of those losses came by a single possession. With 10 Spartans named to the Preseason All-MEAC team, expectations for improvement are clear.

“What excites me the most about being with these guys every day is their commitment, laying it all out on the line,” Vick said. “Creating that brotherhood, creating that family atmosphere, and ultimately it’s getting them ready to compete and be able to compete with the best.”

Norfolk State brings back plenty of weapons on offense, led by preseason All-MEAC running back Kevon King. King rushed for 944 yards last season and earned spots on three national preseason watchlists: the Black College Football Hall of Fame, HBCU FCS, and Walter Payton Award.

Wide receiver Kam’Ryn Thomas also returns after landing on the Black College Football Hall of Fame Preseason Player of the Year watchlist. Together, King and Thomas provide the foundation for an offense that looks poised for success. 

The Spartans also welcomed a major addition in quarterback Israel Carter, a dual-threat quarterback who transferred from South Florida. Coaches expect him to bring poise and explosiveness to the offense. 

“I am blessed to be a part of this team,” Carter said. “We take everything one step at a time, one snap at a time. We are very excited to get out there and show Spartan Nation this team.”

While the offense boasts star power, the defense added new leaders. Linebacker Kahleef Jimmison, who transferred from Delaware State, led the Hornets in tackles last season and immediately bolsters Norfolk State’s front seven.

“It’s a blessing to be here and play under coach Vick,” Jimmison said. “We are ready to compete, be physical, be intentional, detailed, and compete at the highest level that we have been working so hard to get to this spring and fall.”

Special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Tory Woodbury said the team’s mindset reflects the importance of the season’s beginning.

“History making,” Woodbury said. “I always say understand the value of the moment before it becomes a memory. Understand the value that coach Vick and the staff bring to the university, and we are very excited for this season.”

Thursday’s matchup marks the first chance for fans to see Vick lead the Spartans from the sideline. The program hopes a strong start will ignite momentum for the rest of the season — and send a message across the MEAC that Norfolk State is ready to compete at the highest level. Still, Vick believes the team’s focus must remain on the process, not the pressure. 

“We are challenging them to push each other every day,” Vick said. “Don’t count the days, make the days count.”