NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State Football earned national preseason recognition ahead of the 2026 campaign, placing 12 student-athletes on the Phil Steele 2026 Preseason All-MEAC Team, the third-most selections in the conference.
The Spartans' 12 honorees trailed only South Carolina State (15) and North Carolina Central (13), while finishing ahead of Morgan State (11), Howard (6), and Delaware State (4). Norfolk State was represented by three First Team selections and nine Second Team selections, highlighting the talent and experience returning to head coach
Michael Vick's squad for the upcoming season.
Published annually in Phil Steele's FCS College Football Preview, the preseason All-Conference teams are among the nation's most respected preseason honors at the Football Championship Subdivision level. Compiled by Phil Steele and the DraftScout staff, the teams recognize the top returning players in each FCS conference based on previous performance, projected impact, and NFL potential entering the upcoming season. The publication has become a trusted resource for coaches, media members, scouts, and college football fans nationwide.
Leading Norfolk State's First Team selections were senior wide receiver
Brevin Caldwell, senior defensive lineman
Miguel Rijo, and senior linebacker
Kaleb Broadbent.
Caldwell enters his first full season with the Spartans after transferring from Johnson C. Smith. Although an injury limited him to one appearance in 2025, he hauled in eight receptions for 94 yards against Virginia Union on Sept. 20. Broadbent returns as Norfolk State's leading returning defender after totaling 43 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and an interception last season, while Rijo brings veteran experience to the Spartans' defensive front after appearing in six games and recording a sack against Virginia State.
Norfolk State's nine Second Team selections included offensive linemen
Ryan Nolan,
Tyler Leinberger, and
Jack Smoot; defensive linemen
Kyree Moyston and
Jaylen Williams; linebacker
Rontravious Perry; defensive backs
Stephon Hall and
Nasir Bashir; and freshman kicker
Jake Walker.
Ryan Nolan,
Tyler Leinberger, and
Jack Smoot all return to anchor the Spartans' offensive line, bringing valuable experience and continuity to the trenches. The veteran trio helped power an offense that totaled 4,344 yards and 235 first downs last season, averaging 362.0 yards and 20.9 points per game while providing consistent protection for the passing game and creating opportunities for Norfolk State's rushing attack.
Also returning on defense are
Kyree Moyston,
Rontravious Perry,
Stephon Hall, and
Nasir Bashir. Moyston emerged as one of Norfolk State's most disruptive defenders in 2025, totaling 21 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Perry returns after recording a sack against Rutgers, while Hall looks to make a healthy return after his 2025 season was cut short by injury. Bashir recorded 21 tackles and two interceptions in eight games, including a pair of picks against Howard.
Williams also returns after a strong 2025 campaign, appearing in 11 games while totaling 23 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks to go along with a fumble recovery, quarterback hurry, and two pass breakups. Walker rounds out Norfolk State's selections after arriving from Jo Byrns High School in Cedar Hill, Tenn. The freshman established himself as one of Tennessee's top kickers during his senior season, connecting on a career-long 59-yard field goal, converting 43-of-46 extra-point attempts, and recording 27 touchbacks on 42 kickoffs.
Eight of Norfolk State's 12 Phil Steele preseason selections also earned recognition on the MEAC Preseason All-MEAC Team, led by First Team honorees
Ryan Nolan and
Jaylen Williams.
Jack Smoot,
Tyler Leinberger,
Miguel Rijo,
Kaleb Broadbent,
Stephon Hall,
Nasir Bashir, and
Jake Walker were also named to the conference's Preseason All-MEAC Second Team.
The Spartans' 12 Phil Steele preseason selections reflect the depth of talent returning to Norfolk as the program prepares for the 2026 season.
Norfolk State's Phil Steele 2026 Preseason All-MEAC Team
First Team
Second Team
