Michael Vick Still Searching for First Division I Win as Norfolk State Struggles to Find Identity

As Week 11 of the college football season approaches, Michael Vick finds himself in desperate need of a breakthrough. While the Norfolk State Spartans managed to edge out Virginia State in overtime earlier this year, that victory came against a lower-division opponent. The program is still chasing its first win against a Division I team under Vick’s leadership — a milestone that’s proving increasingly elusive.

When Vick took over at Norfolk State, fan excitement was high. The Virginia native’s return to his home state and his ties to historically Black college football made headlines and drew national attention. But months later, the early enthusiasm has been replaced by impatience. Fans now want progress, not publicity.

The disappointment has been amplified by comparisons to Vick’s former Eagles teammate DeSean Jackson, who has found early coaching success at Delaware State and is leading his team toward the Celebration Bowl. Meanwhile, Norfolk State continues to search for stability.

Despite inheriting a roster with experienced playmakers and offensive talent, Vick has struggled to turn potential into consistent performance. His biggest challenge may be his own approach — a reluctance to fully embrace his team’s passing strengths, even as the ground game falters week after week.

1. The Passing Game Holds the Key to Success

Norfolk State’s most dynamic offensive threat lies in its air raid potential. Vick’s staff made two major additions through the transfer portal in wide receivers J.J. Evans and DreSean Kendrick, who have quickly proven to be the team’s most dangerous weapons. Both shined in the recent matchup against Delaware State — Evans with 124 yards and two touchdowns, and Kendrick with 112 yards and another score. Quarterback Otto Khuns has shown flashes of leadership and precision, especially since being reinstalled as the starter after the early-season Israel Carter experiment fell flat. When Khuns is trusted to control the offense and spread the ball around, Norfolk State’s attack looks significantly more effective. The statistics tell a clear story. The Spartans rank last in the MEAC in rushing, averaging just 126.1 yards per game with nine total rushing touchdowns. But through the air, they rank third in passing offense, averaging 224 yards and 14 touchdowns. The numbers suggest that success depends on letting Khuns throw — yet the coaching staff continues to lean on the run. This conservative approach has also impacted star running back Kevon King, whose production has fallen sharply. Once among the conference’s top backs, King’s average has dropped from 85.8 yards per game last season to just 33.3 this year. The lack of balance and commitment to the passing game has made the offense predictable and stagnant.

2. A Difficult Schedule Exposes Deeper Issues

Norfolk State’s current record reflects more than just strategic missteps — it’s also a product of a difficult schedule. The Spartans have already faced two of the top teams in the MEAC, South Carolina State and Delaware State, and now face another powerhouse in North Carolina Central. The road ahead offers little relief for a team still searching for its identity. Vick’s hesitation to evolve his offensive strategy could continue to haunt the Spartans, especially against programs with disciplined defenses. North Carolina Central, coached by Trei Oliver, has a balanced defensive unit that ranks among the top three in the conference against the pass. That strength directly counters Norfolk State’s best chance to move the ball. Still, the Spartans can find motivation in the opportunity to finish strong. A few in-conference wins to close out the year could help Vick build momentum heading into the offseason and lay a foundation for improvement in 2026. The team’s talent isn’t in question — its execution and identity are. With postseason hopes already dashed, Norfolk State’s next few games are about pride and progress. Whether Vick can adjust and rally his players to compete against MEAC’s elite could determine the tone of his second year in charge.

3. The Road Ahead for Vick and the Spartans

The upcoming matchup with North Carolina Central presents both a challenge and a measuring stick for Vick’s coaching staff. To have a chance, the Spartans must commit to their passing game early, allowing Khuns, Evans, and Kendrick to exploit any defensive gaps. A balanced approach will be key — but reverting to an unproductive rushing scheme could doom them again. The Eagles, however, are unlikely to underestimate their opponent. North Carolina Central remains firmly in contention for the Celebration Bowl, and Oliver’s disciplined system has made his team a model of consistency in the conference. Their defense, particularly against high-powered passing attacks, is built to contain exactly the kind of offense Vick has resisted fully embracing. If Norfolk State can find offensive rhythm and limit turnovers, it might finally notch that elusive Division I win — a symbolic step forward for both Vick and the program. But continued hesitation or overly conservative play-calling could result in yet another setback. Ultimately, Vick’s debut season has highlighted both the promise and the pitfalls of a young coach still adapting to the college game. His reputation, leadership, and football IQ are unquestioned — but translating that into consistent success on the field remains the next great challenge.