Two former Philadelphia Eagles greats—now first-year HBCU head coaches—will meet when Norfolk State and Delaware State face off at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Philly lights, HBCU stage
Philadelphia is about to host a full HBCU football experience. Michael Vick, now at the helm of Norfolk State, and DeSean Jackson, the new head coach at Delaware State, will bring their MEAC rivalry to an NFL stage with bands, cheer squads, and alumni energy in the heart of South Philly. It’s the same field where Vick and Jackson once connected for game-changing moments—and now it becomes a recruiting and visibility boost for their programs.
Why this move matters for HBCUs
Moving a regular-season conference game into an NFL venue changes the conversation. Players get the locker-room and big-screen experience, bands get the acoustics they deserve, and both schools gain exposure to sponsors and media beyond the usual HBCU footprint. For the MEAC, it’s a showcase that reinforces the conference’s place in college football culture while giving recruits a taste of “big time” before they ever touch the pros.
Familiar faces, new jobs
Vick and Jackson don’t need introductions in Philadelphia. As NFL stars, they electrified Sundays with speed and explosive plays. Now, they’re channeling that equity into building staffs, setting standards, and opening doors for student-athletes.
- Vick at Norfolk State: A quarterback’s eye for offense and national name recognition that resonates with recruits and donors.
- Jackson at Delaware State: A deep-ball legend whose energy and network can modernize the Hornets’ attack and brand.
The details so far
- Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
- Kickoff: Evening start (listings vary by outlet and may be finalized closer to game week)
Whether you’re wearing green from the Eagles days or rocking school colors, the setup screams culture: drumlines echoing across an NFL bowl, alumni sections in full force, and a city that loves big football moments embracing an HBCU night game.
What to watch on the field
Expect both teams to lean into identity—pace, explosives, and special teams that can flip the game in one snap. Vick’s offense should stress spacing and quarterback play, while Jackson’s group will look to create chunk gains and field position swings. In a venue like the Linc, momentum can turn fast; the band-to-bleachers atmosphere will make it feel like a postseason showcase even in October.
The bigger picture
This matchup isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a blueprint for how HBCUs can leverage iconic alumni and major-market partners to grow the game. Putting MEAC football under NFL lights spotlights the talent pipeline—athletes, musicians, coaches, and creatives—while giving both schools a national talking point with recruits and sponsors. If this hits the way it should, don’t be surprised if more neutral-site, big-stage HBCU showcases follow.