HBCU football is headed back to one of the game’s biggest stages.
On Oct. 31, 2026, Delaware State will once again play Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the home of the NFL’s Eagles. Kickoff time and additional game-day details will be released later.
The return to “The Linc” comes just a year after Norfolk State and Delaware State turned the pro venue into a showcase for HBCU football, drawing a strong crowd and national attention.
That 2025 meeting was notable not only for the atmosphere, but for the sideline star power — marking the first college coaching matchup between former NFL standouts Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson.
Kaiden Bennett tossed a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Pellum-Taylor and James Jones busted out of the gate with a 76-yard touchdown run to help DSU hold off Norfolk State 27-20 in front of a boisterous crowd of 47,266.
Now, the programs will run it back.
“This is a tremendous moment for Norfolk State University, our football program, and our student-athletes,” Norfolk State Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb said. “Last year showed us just how special this stage can be, and we are thrilled to build on that momentum.”
The 2026 edition is expected to once again bring together fans, alumni, and supporters from across the Mid-Atlantic, while putting two historic HBCU programs in the spotlight. Beyond the game itself, the event is being framed as a celebration of Black college football — from its rivalries to its unmistakable pageantry.
“Coming back to Lincoln Financial Field never gets old for me — this is a place that holds a lot of special memories,” said Vick, who starred in the NFL with both the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. “Last year’s game was a special moment for our program, and to lead our players back onto a field I once called home is something I’ll always cherish.”
The matchup also renews his connection with Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson, a former teammate and longtime friend, adding intrigue to a game that already carries regional and cultural significance.
“It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the bands, traditions, and pageantry that make HBCU football special,” Vick added.
