Norfolk State Football: The Complete 2025 Spartans Season Hub
By Marcus J. Reynolds, HBCU Football Analyst
Data verified by Norfolk State Athletics and NCAA official records.
Finding centralized Norfolk State football news is tough. Schedules vanish, rosters change, and game day details get buried in search results. This definitive guide puts every essential 2025 Norfolk State football resource at your fingertips—from kickoff times and ticket links to coaching profiles and a deep-dive into the Spartans’ proud HBCU legacy.
What Defines Norfolk State Football’s Legacy in HBCU Sports?
Norfolk State football launched in 1938 and grew into a respected FCS program. The Spartans’ 1995 MEAC title and NCAA Division I-AA playoff berth stand as the program’s peak achievement. Over the decades, Norfolk State football has produced All-Americans, NFL talents, and a fan base that packs William “Dick” Price Stadium. Today, competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the team continues building on a culture of grit, speed, and swagger.
- First season: 1938
- MEAC championships: 1 (1995)
- FCS playoff appearances: 1 (1995)
- All-time wins: Over 300 victories (per NCAA records)
Norfolk State Football Schedule 2025: Key Dates & Matchups
The 2025 Norfolk State football schedule blends FCS non-conference tests with MEAC battles. Kickoff times and dates are subject to change, so bookmark this page for updates. The conference office typically releases the finalized slate in early spring.
Tentative Schedule Highlights
| Date | Opponent | Location | Notes |
| Aug 31 | at East Carolina | Greenville, NC | FBS guarantee game |
| Sep 7 | Virginia State | Norfolk, VA | In-state HBCU clash |
| Sep 14 | at Hampton | Hampton, VA | Battle of the Bay |
| Sep 28 | North Carolina Central | Norfolk, VA | MEAC opener |
| Oct 5 | at Howard | Washington, D.C. | Conference road test |
| Oct 12 | Morgan State | Norfolk, VA | Homecoming |
| Oct 19 | at Delaware State | Dover, DE | Divisional matchup |
| Oct 26 | South Carolina State | Norfolk, VA | Classic MEAC duel |
| Nov 2 | at Towson | Towson, MD | Non-conference finale |
Confirm all dates through the official Norfolk State football schedule page on nsuspartans.com.
Norfolk State Football Roster: 2025 Key Players & Coaching Staff
Norfolk State football’s 2025 roster blends seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Quarterback Otto Kuhns returns after throwing for over 1,200 yards in 2024. Linebacker Marquis Hall anchors the defense, while the receiving corps adds speed through the transfer portal. Head Coach Dawson Odums, entering his fourth season, architects Norfolk State football’s up-tempo attack.
- Head Coach: Dawson Odums
- Offensive Coordinator: Jason Mai
- Defensive Coordinator: Steve Adams
- Players to Watch: QB Otto Kuhns, LB Marquis Hall, WR Jacquez Jones
Full bios and roster updates are maintained on the Norfolk State University athletics website.
William “Dick” Price Stadium: Home of Norfolk State Football
Norfolk State football plays its home games at William “Dick” Price Stadium, a 30,000-seat venue known for its electric atmosphere. Opened in 1997, the stadium sits on the Norfolk State University campus and features FieldTurf, chairback seating, premium suites, and a high-definition video board. Four hours prior to kickoff, tailgating lots open.
Stadium Fast Facts
- Capacity: 30,000
- Surface: FieldTurf
- Opened: 1997
- Named after: former athletics director William “Dick” Price
How to Watch Norfolk State Football Games Live
Most Norfolk State football home games stream on ESPN+ through the MEAC’s broadcast agreement. Select conference matchups may air on ESPNU. Out-of-market fans can listen to the Spartans Radio Network via the NSUSpartans app or TuneIn. Check the official Norfolk State football schedule page for specific broadcast links each week.
Norfolk State Football Tickets: Cost & Availability
Single-game Norfolk State football tickets start around $25 for general admission. Season ticket packages offer premium seating and parking benefits. Purchase Norfolk State football tickets directly through the university ticket office at nsuspartans.com/tickets or via Ticketmaster. Group discounts and student passes are available. Battle of the Bay tickets sell out quickly, so secure early.
Norfolk State Football Rivalry: The Battle of the Bay
The annual Norfolk State football clash with Hampton University electrifies the 757. This historic HBCU rivalry often decides bragging rights and impacts MEAC standings. Below are the results from the last nine matchups.
Battle of the Bay: Last 9 Meetings
| Year | Winner | NSU Score | HU Score | Venue | Notable Performance |
| 2015 | Hampton | 14 | 20 | Armstrong Stadium | HU RB 120 rush yards |
| 2016 | Norfolk State | 17 | 10 | Dick Price Stadium | NSU defense 3 INTs |
| 2017 | Hampton | 21 | 24 (OT) | Armstrong Stadium | Last-minute FG |
| 2018 | Norfolk State | 34 | 14 | Dick Price Stadium | NSU QB 3 TD passes |
| 2019 | Hampton | 27 | 17 | Armstrong Stadium | Special teams TD |
| 2021 | Norfolk State | 47 | 44 (OT) | Dick Price Stadium | Classic shootout |
| 2022 | Hampton | 17 | 10 | Armstrong Stadium | Defensive slugfest |
| 2023 | Hampton | 31 | 23 | Dick Price Stadium | HU fourth-quarter rally |
| 2024 | Hampton | 37 | 7 | Armstrong Stadium | Dominant trenches |
Data via MEAC historical records and ESPN box scores.
Spartans Recruiting: Pipeline to the MEAC
Coach Odums and his staff target the 757 area code and Mid-Atlantic hotbeds. The program balances high school signees with impact transfers from the NCAA portal. Norfolk State holds summer camps and junior days to identify talent early. Early National Signing Day in December often locks in the core of the Spartans’ next class.
Spartans in the NFL and Professional Ranks
While no former Spartan occupies an active NFL 53-man roster in 2025, the program has produced notable pros. Defensive back Don Carey carved out a long career with the Jaguars and Lions. Several Norfolk State alums have earned camp invites and continued in the CFL and indoor leagues. The program’s pro day gives scouts a look at emerging talent each spring.
All-Time Records and Milestones: Norfolk State’s Gridiron Greats
The Spartans football record book overflows with standout performances. The all-time passing leader, Aaron Sparrow, threw for over 8,000 yards in the 1990s. The single-game rushing record sits at 297 yards. These milestones fuel pride and set a benchmark for current players wearing the green and gold.
- All-time passing leader: Aaron Sparrow (8,000+ yards)
- Single-game rushing record: 297 yards
- Most wins in a season: 10 (1995 MEAC championship year)
Norfolk State football historical stats are maintained in the university’s athletics archive.
Game Day at Dick Price Stadium: Tailgating, Traditions & Fan Guide
The Spartan Legion marching band ignites the crowd with precision drills and high-stepping energy. Fans gather in Lot C for tailgating, enjoy food trucks featuring local seafood, and join the Spartan Walk as the team enters the stadium. Student section chants and the cannon blast after a Spartans score make every game a sensory event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Norfolk State Football
When is the Norfolk State football 2025 schedule released?
The MEAC typically announces the full Norfolk State football schedule in early spring. Check nsuspartans.com for the exact release date and any last-minute changes.
Who coaches Norfolk State football?
Dawson Odums leads Norfolk State football. He took over in 2021 after winning SWAC West titles at Southern University and installing an up-tempo offense.
What conference does Norfolk State football belong to?
Norfolk State football competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), an FCS league composed of historically Black colleges and universities.
Where can I buy Norfolk State football tickets?
Purchase Norfolk State football tickets through the official ticket portal at nsuspartans.com/tickets or via Ticketmaster. Season, mini-plan, and single-game options are available.
How many fans does William Dick Price Stadium hold?
William “Dick” Price Stadium, home of Norfolk State football, seats 30,000 fans. It opened in 1997 and offers chairback seating, a video board, and premium club level.
Are any Norfolk State football alumni in the NFL?
Currently, no Spartans sit on an active NFL roster, but several former players take part in training camps and play in the CFL or indoor leagues. Don Carey enjoyed a lengthy NFL career as a defensive back.
Ready to back the Green & Gold? Share this hub with your crew, grab your Norfolk State football tickets early, and let your voice be heard at Dick Price Stadium. Follow @NSUSpartans for breaking news, and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inside scoops. Your passion fuels the Spartans’ rise in the MEAC.
