Norfolk State football and Delaware State meet at Lincoln Financial Field

Norfolk State and Delaware State both enter Saturday's game at 4-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play. The Spartans and Hornets meet at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia at 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. The game is at a neutral site and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

How the Spartans got here

Norfolk State comes in off a 22-7 loss at South Carolina State on Oct. 24. Before that, the Spartans beat Virginia Lynchburg 62-0 at home on Oct. 10. They lost 33-31 at Robert Morris on Oct. 3, after wins over Chicago State (43-20 on Sept. 26) and Hampton (42-21 on Sept. 19).

Quarterback Da'Jean Golmond has completed 78 of 131 passes for 936 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. Jalyn Daniels leads the ground game with 111 carries for 661 yards and four touchdowns. Elyjah Mitchell has 37 catches for 402 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, Brendan Thompson leads the team with 55 tackles, and Quintin Goins has 2.5 sacks.

The Hornets' recent run

Delaware State lost 31-12 to North Carolina Central at home on Friday, Oct. 23. Before that, the Hornets beat Franklin Pierce 34-0 on Oct. 10 and lost 28-3 at UAlbany on Oct. 3. They beat Towson 33-28 at home on Sept. 26 and lost 59-17 at South Florida on Sept. 19.

Ui Ale has thrown for 1,109 yards on 98-of-156 passing, with four touchdowns and four interceptions. Jayden Sauray has 324 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. Jaylin Terzado leads the receivers with 23 catches for 375 yards and two touchdowns.

Carl Nesmith has five sacks to lead the Hornets' defense, and Kemari Nix has 54 tackles.

Game details

Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field, with the game streaming on ESPN+.