Historic Norfolk State–Virginia State Rivalry Paused as 2026 Schedule Shifts

The storied rivalry between Norfolk State University and Virginia State University will take a pause in 2026, as neither program included the matchup in their early-season schedules. The announcement came Monday when Virginia State released its 2026 football slate, leaving fans and analysts surprised at the omission of the traditional showdown.

For decades, the Norfolk State–Virginia State game has been a highlight of the HBCU football calendar, drawing intense local and regional attention. Its absence this season is particularly noteworthy given that Michael Vick, in his first year as Norfolk State’s head coach, secured his first coaching victory against Virginia State in a thrilling overtime win last season.

The 2025 matchup saw Norfolk State quarterback Otto Kuhns orchestrate a late comeback to clinch the 34-31 victory in overtime. Virginia State had led for much of the game and even had a chance to win at the end of regulation, only to miss a game-winning field goal. That nail-biting finish cemented the game as a memorable milestone in Vick’s coaching tenure.

With the rivalry game off the schedule, attention now shifts to how Norfolk State will reshape its season and whether the historic matchup will return in 2027 or beyond. Meanwhile, Virginia State has opted to challenge itself early in 2026 against the reigning HBCU National Champions, signaling a new competitive focus for the program.

1. Virginia State’s Bold Schedule

Virginia State’s 2026 schedule kicks off on August 29 against Barton College, a standard season opener, but the bigger headline is the September 12 game against South Carolina State. The Bulldogs, led by coach Chennis Berry, are fresh off a dominant run in HBCU football and represent a significant early-season test for the Trojans. Berry’s teams have been nearly unstoppable since his second season at Benedict College in 2022, losing only one HBCU matchup—the 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl against Jackson State. This history of success sets up a high-profile matchup that will draw considerable attention from HBCU football fans and analysts alike. By choosing this game over the traditional Norfolk State rivalry, Virginia State is signaling a willingness to test its squad against top-tier competition outside of familiar regional opponents. Analysts suggest that these types of matchups could improve recruiting visibility and strengthen the program’s national profile. The move also reflects a broader trend among HBCU programs seeking to balance historic rivalries with games that challenge the team on a national stage. Virginia State appears committed to raising its competitive standards, even at the expense of traditional local rivalries.

2. Michael Vick and Norfolk State’s Outlook

For Norfolk State, the absence of Virginia State from the schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. Vick’s first season was highlighted by the overtime win over the Trojans, giving him a signature victory early in his coaching career. Rebuilding a schedule without that high-profile matchup could impact fan engagement and program momentum. Coach Vick now faces the task of filling the competitive void with other opponents, potentially using it as a chance to strengthen the team in different ways. Analysts note that Norfolk State may pursue additional non-conference games or renewed rivalries to maintain visibility and excitement around the program. The Norfolk State administration has not confirmed whether efforts are already underway to bring the Virginia State game back in 2027. Fans are closely monitoring offseason developments, hoping that the rivalry will return, given its historical significance and competitive drama. Meanwhile, the team’s leadership emphasizes player development and maintaining a winning culture despite the absence of a marquee rivalry game. For Vick, navigating this transitional season will be a critical test of his coaching acumen.

3. The Rivalry’s Future and HBCU Implications

The Norfolk State–Virginia State rivalry has been a cornerstone of HBCU football, both on and off the field. Its temporary pause highlights the challenges programs face in balancing tradition with strategic growth. Many in the HBCU football community see this as an opportunity to expand the landscape of competition. Virginia State’s decision to face South Carolina State reflects a broader desire to compete against nationally recognized programs, potentially enhancing recruiting and national exposure. At the same time, the rivalry’s hiatus may serve as motivation for both programs to reimagine the future of their matchups. When the game returns, it could feature heightened stakes and renewed intensity, ensuring the historic clash continues to captivate fans. For now, attention turns to the upcoming 2026 season and how each program navigates its schedule. While Norfolk State adapts to a Virginia State-free slate, Virginia State seeks to measure itself against the best of HBCU football, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling season.