Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick has made his decision on quarterback.
With the Spartans preparing for the start of the 2026 season, Vick announced that Deljay Bailey will be Norfolk State’s starting quarterback, ending a competitive battle that remained open throughout preseason camp.
Vick entered camp without naming starters at any position, emphasizing that every spot would be earned through competition. That included the quarterback position.
“We came into camp, and it was very competitive,” Vick said on Monday. “It was open competition at every position, and there were no set starters.”
Vick brought quarterback Reginald Johnson to MEAC Football Media Day, explaining that he wanted a signal-caller representing the team because of the position’s importance.
“I feel like the quarterback is the guy who kind of sets the tone for the team,” Vick said.
New Norfolk State QB has SWAC background
But Johnson, who transferred to Norfolk State from San Diego Mesa, ultimately did not win the job during fall camp.
Vick said another quarterback surpassed him based on his understanding of the offense, production and overall output.
“Unfortunately, right now, he’s not our starting quarterback,” Vick said. “It was, like I said, competition based, and somebody was able to surpass him.”
That quarterback is Bailey, who signed with Ole Miss out of high school and bounced around to Grambling State in 2024 and then Itawamba Community College, where he threw for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
While Vick made it clear that Bailey currently owns the starting job, he also emphasized that the competition and development process will continue throughout the season.
For Johnson, the message is simple: keep working, stay ready and take advantage of the next opportunity.
“All I can say is he’s a work in progress, and he’s going to get better,” Vick said.
Vick’s decision also reinforces the culture he is trying to establish at Norfolk State — positions are earned, not handed out.
The Spartans will now move forward with Bailey as QB1 as Vick prepares to begin his first season leading Norfolk State.
For now, the quarterback question has been answered.
