Michael Vick Looks to Turn the Tide at Norfolk State in 2026

The former NFL star aims to build a championship mentality in his second season as head coach of the Spartans.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, maroon, and gold, conceptually representing the competitive energy and multi-faceted nature of Norfolk State's upcoming season.Michael Vick's Norfolk State Spartans look to build on their spring progress and earn respect in the MEAC conference in 2026.Norfolk Today

After a tough 1-11 debut season as the head coach of the Norfolk State Spartans, Michael Vick is optimistic about the team's progress during spring practices and is focused on instilling a 'championship mentality' in his players ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

Vick's arrival at Norfolk State generated significant buzz, as the former NFL star quarterback looked to make his mark as a college head coach. However, the Spartans struggled mightily in his first season, raising questions about Vick's ability to turn the program around. This upcoming season will be crucial in demonstrating whether Vick can build Norfolk State into a contender in the MEAC conference.

The details

Vick was pleased with the Spartans' defensive improvements during spring practice, noting that the unit 'started to believe in one another and understand the scheme.' He also emphasized the importance of his team developing a 'championship mentality' that can help them overcome adversity. The quarterback position remains an open competition, with Vick giving the signal-callers a chance to showcase their toughness by allowing live tackling during the spring game.

  • The 2025 season was Vick's first as the head coach of Norfolk State, where the team went 1-11.
  • Norfolk State recently held its spring game, where Vick evaluated the team's progress.
  • The Spartans open the 2026 season on August 29 against Winston-Salem State University.

The players

Michael Vick

The former NFL star quarterback is entering his second season as the head coach of the Norfolk State Spartans.

Israel Carter

A transfer quarterback who started the 2025 season for Norfolk State before being replaced by veteran Otto Khuns.

Otto Khuns

The veteran Norfolk State quarterback who took over as the starter in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury.

Tori Woodbury

The former Norfolk State special teams coach who is now the head coach of Winston-Salem State University, the Spartans' season-opening opponent.

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What they’re saying

“I thought we had a great spring. Everyday we got better. Defensively, they started to believe in one another and understand the scheme… Our defense stepped it up and showed me they can be as good as they want to be.”

— Michael Vick, Head Coach, Norfolk State

“We didn't gain that respect from anybody last year. How you earn it is going out in between the lines and finding out what you're made of… It's a championship mentality.. We ain't stopping. We're going to be so mentally headstrong that we can't be broken.”

— Michael Vick, Head Coach, Norfolk State

“They showed me that they were tough. When I told [the quarterbacks] that we were going to go live, they kind of looked at me crazy, but hey man, that's why we play this game. I don't want the first time they get hit to be in September.”

— Michael Vick, Head Coach, Norfolk State

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Vick's second season at Norfolk State will be crucial in demonstrating whether he can build the Spartans into a contender in the MEAC conference. The team's defensive improvements and Vick's emphasis on developing a 'championship mentality' suggest the program may be headed in the right direction, but the quarterback competition and the season-opening matchup against a familiar foe will be key storylines to watch.