NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State football will return to Lincoln Financial Field this fall, as the Spartans host the Hornets of Delaware State University on Saturday, Oct. 31 as part of One Philly HBCU Week 2026. The two-game showcase, announced by the Philadelphia Eagles, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and the City of Philadelphia, brings some of the nation's most storied Historically Black College and University football programs back to the home of the Eagles.

One Philly HBCU Week 2026 opens Friday, Oct. 30, when Virginia Union University meets Chester County's Lincoln University, with Lincoln serving as the home team for that contest. Tickets for both games go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com. Official kickoff times and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.

For Norfolk State, the matchup is a chance to build on one of the most-watched nights in program history. The inaugural HBCU Battle of the Legends on Oct. 30, 2025 drew an announced crowd of more than 47,000 to Lincoln Financial Field, where the Spartans fell to Delaware State, 27-20. Quarterback Otto Kuhns threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns in that meeting, while JJ Evans (124 receiving yards, two touchdowns) and DreSean Kendrick (nine catches, 112 yards, one touchdown) each topped the century mark.

The 2026 edition features head coaches Michael Vick of Norfolk State and DeSean Jackson of Delaware State, former Philadelphia Eagles teammates now leading Division I HBCU programs — this time with the Spartans occupying the home sideline in the stadium where Vick spent five seasons as a player. Norfolk State will carry its full game-day presentation to Philadelphia, including the Spartan Legion marching band, and expects a strong turnout from NSU alumni chapters throughout the Mid-Atlantic corridor.

"Lincoln Financial Field is thrilled to serve as the host site for two highly anticipated HBCU matchups this season," said Frank Gumienny, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia Eagles. "We are honored to welcome back Delaware State and Norfolk State on Saturday, October 31 — two historic programs led by Eagles Legends DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick."

"Last year's Delaware State-Norfolk State game was a tremendous success, drawing 47,266 fans and showcasing the excellence, pride, and tradition of HBCU athletics," said Cherelle L. Parker, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. "As a proud HBCU graduate, I look forward to welcoming the teams, alumni, students, families, and fans from across the country to our great city. One Philly. A United City."

Event programming, fan activations and travel information for Norfolk State supporters will be shared through the Spartans' communication channels in the weeks ahead. For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, follow the Spartans at @nsuspartans (X), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram) and @nsuathletics (YouTube), or visit nsuspartans.com.