Delaware State wrapped up spring football practice on a positive note Saturday, with second-year head coach DeSean Jackson expressing optimism about the program’s progress despite an ongoing rebuilding effort.
“We finished on a high note,” he said following the Blue-Red game. “I’ve seen a lot of positives from our team today. There’s been a lot of growth through spring ball, and we’re trending in the right direction.”
The Hornets, coming off an 8-4 season, are still reshaping their roster after offseason losses to graduation and the transfer portal. Jackson estimated the team is “about 80%” complete and expects to add several more players in the coming weeks and into the summer.
“It’s the era of college football,” he said. “You’re constantly building year in and year out. We feel good about where we are, but there’s still work to do.”
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Quarterback competition remains wide open
A recent recruiting weekend brought in multiple commitments, and the staff continues to target a handful of additional players to round out the roster.
Competition remains open at quarterback, where no starter has been named. Several players are vying for the job, and the team could still add another option.
“We haven’t identified a definite starter right now,” Jackson said. “We’re looking for someone who can lead, command the huddle, and understand the game at a high level.”
Returners Jayden Sauray and Mikal Davis are in the mix at quarterback, as well as Marqui Adams, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, and William & Mary transfer Noah Brannock figures to compete for the spot as well.
Spring practice concluded with a competitive intrasquad scrimmage, a sign of improved depth compared to last season.
“I don’t think we could’ve done that last year,” he said. “It just shows we’ve brought in more depth and competition.”
While pleased with the intensity, the coach noted concern over a hard sideline hit during the scrimmage, emphasizing that live contact for quarterbacks is “not ideal.”
Entering Year 2, the focus has shifted from establishing culture to refining it. Jackson said last season’s ups and downs provided valuable lessons, particularly in discipline and situational execution.
“In every game we lost, there was something we could point to and correct,” he noted. “Those are teaching moments we’ll carry into this year.”
Hornets want to determine identity
Offensively, Delaware State is still determining its identity after losing key contributors in the running game that was the best in all of FCS last season.
Jackson expressed confidence in the current group of running backs but suggested the offense could evolve.
“I don’t think we’ll drop off,” he said. “But who knows — maybe we’ll be the top passing team this year.”
Defensively, the secondary — a perceived weakness last season — has been reinforced with new additions (Gio Fabian) and returning players (Wayne Favors III) expected to make an impact.
“We wanted playmakers back there,” Jackson explained. “Hungry, physical guys who can change games.”
The Hornets also face a more challenging schedule in 2026, featuring three Coastal Athletic Association opponents and FBS team South Florida, but Jackson remains confident.
“I like us against anybody,” he said. “It’s about focusing on what we do and continuing to get better.”
With spring practice complete, attention now turns to roster additions and offseason development as Delaware State prepares for the fall.
