The 2026 Norfolk State Spartans football schedule is set. Norfolk State plays in the MEAC and runs a 12-game season. The Spartans open August 29 vs Winston-Salem State. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Norfolk State Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: MEAC (FCS)
- Home stadium: William “Dick” Price Stadium, Norfolk, VA
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 5
- Opener: August 29 vs Winston-Salem State
- Finale: November 21 vs Howard
2026 Norfolk State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Winston-Salem State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Old Dominion | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Virginia | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | vs Hampton | Home (Battle of the Bay) | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Chicago State | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | at Robert Morris | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 10 | vs Virginia University of Lynchburg | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 24 | at South Carolina State | Away | MEAC |
| Oct 31 | vs Delaware State | Home | MEAC |
| Nov 7 | vs North Carolina Central | Home | MEAC |
| Nov 14 | at Morgan State | Away | MEAC |
| Nov 21 | vs Howard | Home | MEAC |
Norfolk State opens the season August 29 vs Winston-Salem State and closes the regular season November 21 vs Howard.
How the 2026 Norfolk State Season Sets Up
Norfolk State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 7 non-conference dates and 5 MEAC games. The Spartans play 6 home games, and 6 on the road. Norfolk State renews the Battle of the Bay against Hampton on September 19 and plays FBS road games at Old Dominion and Virginia in the opening weeks.
Norfolk State, the MEAC Race, and the Celebration Bowl
The MEAC champion does not enter the 24-team FCS playoff. Instead the league winner plays in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champion, the recognized national title game of HBCU football. Because the MEAC is a straight round-robin, the title usually comes down to the final weekend. Follow it on our 2026 MEAC football schedule and standings page.
How to Watch Norfolk State in 2026
Norfolk State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed in the weeks before kickoff, so bookmark this page and check back as the matchups firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Norfolk State open the 2026 season?
Norfolk State opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Winston-Salem State. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs Howard.
How many games do the Spartans play in 2026?
Norfolk State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 5 MEAC games.
Does the MEAC champion make the FCS playoffs?
No. The MEAC champion does not enter the FCS playoff. The league winner instead plays in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champion, the recognized national championship of HBCU football.
Is there a printable Norfolk State schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Norfolk State schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Norfolk State football in 2026?
Norfolk State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 MEAC football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
