NORFOLK, Va. --- Norfolk State women's basketball unveiled its 2025-26 schedule, featuring 15 nonconference matchups against Power Four programs, regional rivals, and top mid-major opponents.
"This schedule gives us a great balance of tests on the road and opportunities to defend our home court," said head coach Jermaine Woods. "Our players will grow a lot from these matchups and prepare us to chase another MEAC Championship."
The Spartans tip off the season on Nov. 3 at Ole Miss before returning home for back-to-back games against the University of the District of Columbia on Nov. 6 and Virginia State on Nov. 9. NSU heads into a challenging road stretch with games at Duke (Nov. 12), Iowa State (Nov. 16) and Penn (Nov. 18).
The Spartans return home on Nov. 21 for the Battle of the Bay against Hampton, a matchup Woods circled as one of the most important dates on the calendar.
"The Battle of the Bay is always special," Woods said. "It's not just about basketball—it's about pride, community, and tradition. We're excited to host Hampton in front of our fans at Echols Hall this year."
Norfolk State continues nonconference play at Appalachian State on Nov. 25 before opening December with home games against Shaw (Dec. 1) and North Carolina A&T (Dec. 6).
The team then visits ACC opponent Georgia Tech on Dec. 8, followed by a home matchup with Dillard on Dec. 11. NSU closes nonconference play on the road with games at Campbell (Dec. 15), Ohio State (Dec. 18) and Elon (Dec. 21).
"Facing an elite eight program in Duke and a sweet 16 program in Ole Miss, along with three other power four programs in Ohio State, Iowa State, and Georgia Tech is an opportunity we don't take lightly," Woods said. "These games push us and make us compete at the highest level, helping us get ready for MEAC competition."
Norfolk State begins conference play with a road test at North Carolina Central on Jan. 3 before returning home to face UMES on Jan. 8. The Spartans then travel to Delaware State (Jan. 10) and South Carolina State (Jan. 17), before hosting Morgan State (Jan. 22) and Coppin State (Jan. 24). NSU closes January at Howard on Jan. 31.
The Spartans face each MEAC opponent again in February, beginning at home against North Carolina Central on Feb. 7, then on the road at UMES on Feb. 12. Norfolk State hosts Delaware State on Feb. 14 and South Carolina State on Feb. 21 before traveling to Baltimore to face Morgan State (Feb. 26) and Coppin State (Feb. 28). NSU wraps up its conference slate at home against Howard on March 5.
"Our league is as competitive as it's ever been," Woods said. "Every night is a battle, and our goal is to defend our home floor and go on the road with toughness. The MEAC tournament is always the ultimate test, and we're building toward that moment."
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