NCCU Heads to Norfolk State Seeking Sixth Straight Win Over Spartans

The Eagles look to stay unbeaten in MEAC play as Trei Oliver approaches his 50th career victory against Michael Vick’s Spartans.

NORFOLK, Va. — North Carolina Central will bring a takeaway-producing defense and a surging freshman running back to Norfolk State on Saturday, November 7, as the Eagles look to keep their unbeaten conference record intact.

Kickoff at William “Dick” Price Stadium is scheduled for noon ET, with live coverage on ESPN+.

The matchup also presents a milestone opportunity for NCCU head coach Trei Oliver, who enters one victory away from 50 career wins.

Eagles Aim to Extend Their Series Streak

Saturday marks the 23rd meeting between the programs, with NCCU holding a 15-7 advantage in the series.

The Eagles have won five consecutive meetings and 10 of the last 12, including a narrow 31-28 victory last season. Oliver is 5-1 against Norfolk State as NCCU’s head coach.

NCCU has also established a strong conference record under Oliver, going 24-11 in MEAC play. That stretch includes the Eagles’ 2022 conference championship season, which ended with a Celebration Bowl victory over Jackson State.

Defense Arrives With Momentum

NCCU enters the matchup following a 34-0 shutout of Howard at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, its first shutout since a 68-0 victory over Virginia Lynchburg in 2024.

The Eagles limited Howard to 114 total yards and 44 passing yards, both season lows for an NCCU opponent. Two interceptions added to a defense that has consistently created extra possessions.

Through nine games, NCCU is tied for the FCS lead with 20 takeaways, consisting of 12 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. The Eagles’ interception total is tied for third nationally.

NCCU has forced four turnovers in a game twice this season, against North Carolina A&T and East Carolina. Defensive lineman Zarion Walters has contributed two fumble recoveries.

Against Howard, quarterback Jousha Jones accounted for three touchdowns, throwing for two and running for another. He finished with 189 passing yards and 32 rushing yards.

Gino Addison Gives NCCU a Ground Threat

Freshman running back Gino Addison has become a key part of the Eagles’ offense, topping 100 rushing yards in two of his last three games.

His biggest performance came in NCCU’s 31-12 win over Delaware State on October 23, when he rushed for a career-high 214 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. He also delivered 169 rushing yards against William & Mary.

Addison has totaled 536 yards and three touchdowns on 83 carries this season. His average of 76.6 rushing yards per game ranks second in the MEAC.

Freshman kicker Riley Daniels has provided another dependable scoring option. Daniels is 13-for-16 on field goals, including a season-long 47-yarder against Campbell. His two field goals against Howard marked his fourth game this season with multiple makes.

Norfolk State Looks to Respond After Philadelphia Heartbreaker

Norfolk State enters Saturday at 4-5 overall and 0-2 in the MEAC under second-year head coach Michael Vick.

The Spartans are coming off a difficult loss to Delaware State, which secured the victory on a last-second field goal at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Despite their conference record, Norfolk State ranks second in the MEAC in scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense and total defense.

Running back Jalyn Daniels averages 75.6 rushing yards per game, placing him third in the conference, just behind Addison. Receiver Elyjah Mitchell ranks third in the MEAC with slightly more than 55 receiving yards per game.

Defensively, Josiah Davis has intercepted three passes, the conference’s second-highest total.

The Spartans also entered the season with nine Preseason All-MEAC selections, including first-team honorees Ryan Nolan on the offensive line and Jaylen Williams on the defensive line.

Oliver Eyes a Milestone Against Vick’s Spartans

Oliver, a 1998 NCCU graduate, returned to his alma mater as head coach in December 2018. Now in his seventh season leading the Eagles, he has the opportunity to earn his 50th career victory while extending NCCU’s recent success against Norfolk State.

The Eagles are 19-19 on the road under Oliver and finished last season with a 5-1 road record.

For Vick, Saturday offers another opportunity to build on the Spartans’ progress in his second season. The Newport News native returned to Hampton Roads in 2025 to lead the program and now faces an NCCU team carrying momentum on both sides of the ball.

Ball security could play a major role. Norfolk State will need to protect its possessions against one of the nation’s most productive takeaway defenses, while NCCU will look to Addison and its ground game to help control the afternoon.

Game information: North Carolina Central at Norfolk State
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Kickoff: Noon ET
Location: William “Dick” Price Stadium, Norfolk, Virginia
Watch: ESPN+

Source: North Carolina Central University Athletics.