Michael Vick's Norfolk State Spartans Aim for Rebound in 2026

After a disappointing 1-11 season, the former NFL star looks to lead Norfolk State to more wins in his second year as head coach.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Norfolk State's football schedule for the 2026 season is out, and all eyes are on Michael Vick as he looks to rebound from a tough 1-11 campaign in his first year as head coach of the Spartans. With a natural pipeline to top high school recruits in Virginia due to his legendary status in the state, Vick was expected to quickly turn the program around. However, the Spartans struggled both in and out of conference play last season. Now, Vick is adamant that the team will contend for the MEAC championship and a spot in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in his second year.

Why it matters

Vick's homecoming to coach his alma mater generated a lot of excitement, as he aimed to follow the blueprint set by Deion Sanders at Jackson State. Norfolk State's struggles in Vick's first season raised questions about his coaching abilities, and a poor 2026 campaign could put his job in jeopardy. The Spartans' performance this year will be closely watched by HBCU football fans across the nation.

The details

Norfolk State's 2026 schedule features several winnable games, including matchups against Winston-Salem State, Chicago State, Robert Morris, and Virginia University of Lynchburg. Vick believes the Spartans can secure at least 4-7 wins this season, a marked improvement from their 1-11 record in 2025. Key games that could determine Vick's future include potential matchups against Hampton, Howard, and Morgan State.

  • Norfolk State's 2026 schedule was released in March 2026.
  • Vick was hired as Norfolk State's head coach in December 2024.

The players

Michael Vick

A former NFL number one draft pick who is in his second season as the head coach of the Norfolk State Spartans football team.

Trent Boykin

The former head coach of the Hampton University football team, who was recently fired.

Van Malone

The new head coach of the Hampton University football team, hired after Trent Boykin's departure.

Ted White

The new head coach of the Howard University football team, taking over his alma mater.

Damon Wilson

The head coach of the Morgan State University football team.

DeSean Jackson

The head coach of the Delaware State University Hornets football team.

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What they’re saying

“Building on the Deion Sanders blueprint at Jackson State, Vick seemingly had an advantage that even Sanders didn't enjoy: he was coaching a team not far from his hometown of Newport News, Virginia.”

— Randall Barnes, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“If Vick were to somehow lose to Robert Morris, Chicago State, or Virginia University of Lynchburg, there would be some real conversations in Virginia about the efficacy of his coaching campaign.”

— Randall Barnes, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The 2026 season will be a crucial one for Michael Vick and the Norfolk State Spartans. If the team can improve on their 1-11 record from 2025 and compete for the MEAC championship, Vick's job will be secure. However, a disappointing season could put his coaching future in jeopardy.

The takeaway

Michael Vick's homecoming to coach his alma mater Norfolk State generated a lot of excitement, but his first season as head coach was a disappointment. Now, in his second year, Vick has a chance to prove he can turn the program around and establish Norfolk State as a contender in the MEAC conference and HBCU football landscape.