Norfolk State Football Makes Announcement for Big Ten Clash

The countdown to a new era in Norfolk State football just got a whole lot more real.

On Wednesday, Norfolk State officially announced that its highly anticipated matchup against FBS opponent Rutgers will kick off at 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, September 13, with national coverage on the Big Ten Network. The game marks Michael Vick’s first road challenge as head coach and puts the Spartans on a national stage early in the season.

This isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a statement opportunity.

The clash will be just the fifth meeting all-time between the Spartans and Scarlet Knights, and the first since 2015. Rutgers holds a 4–0 edge in the series, but this 2025 tilt comes with a new storyline. Michael Vick’s coaching debut, a narrative that has already galvanized HBCU football fans across the country.

The Spartans will open their season at home against Towson on August 28 before traveling to New Jersey for the Rutgers matchup, arguably the biggest spotlight game on their early slate. The September 13 kickoff is part of a limited set of FCS vs. FBS matchups broadcast on a major network, and it reflects a growing appetite for HBCU representation on national platforms.

This game time revelation follows the previously announced 4 p.m. kickoff for NSU’s Oct. 4 Battle of the Bay against rival Hampton.

The Spartans’ full schedule, including TV details for the remaining 10 games, is still pending, but the momentum is unmistakable. With national exposure, a new coaching regime, and a loaded fall calendar, Norfolk State is stepping into a season that feels larger than football.

Spartan Nation, mark your calendars, this one’s must-watch.