The Linc will host two HBCU football games, including Delaware State-Norfolk State rematch

After drawing a crowd of 47,266 in the HBCU Battle of the Legends game last fall, DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State and Michael Vick’s Norfolk State will meet again in South Philly.

The rematch between the former Eagles teammates is set for Oct. 31 at Lincoln Financial Field. Last year, Delaware State squad held off a late rally from Norfolk State for a 27-20 victory.

The Norfolk State-Delaware State matchup is one of two historically Black college and university football games set for the weekend. As previously reported by The Inquirer, Division II Lincoln University will host Virginia Union, but the game will take place a day earlier, on Friday, Oct. 30.

» READ MORE: HBCU football is returning to the Linc this fall when Lincoln University hosts Virginia Union

“I know firsthand what it means for a young person to walk into a room and see excellence that looks like them. That’s why this event is so important,” Mayor Cherelle L. Parker wrote in a news release, noting she’s a Lincoln University graduate. “Last year’s Delaware State—Norfolk State game brought 47,266 fans together and celebrated the excellence, pride, and tradition of HBCU athletics.

“With Philadelphia legends Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson joining us, it became more than a football game. It became a powerful source of inspiration. We were honored to partner with Delaware State University, Norfolk State University, and the Philadelphia Eagles to make that day such a tremendous success, and we are excited to build on that momentum through One Philly HBCU Week 2026.”

Last season, Jackson’s Delaware State finished with an 8-4 record in his first season at the helm, and he was named the Boxtorow HBCU Coach of the Year. He was rewarded with a contract extension in December, tying him to the program through 2028.

Vick is coming off a tough season in which the Spartans finished 1-11.

“Coming back to Lincoln Financial Field never gets old for me — this is a place that holds a lot of special memories,” Vick said in a Norfolk State release. “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. Doing it against Delaware State, led by my former teammate and longtime friend DeSean Jackson, adds another exciting chapter to the matchup. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the bands, traditions, and pageantry that make HBCU football special.”

Added Jackson: “We are not putting any limits on our potential. And we are not resting on that potential either. There is no replacement for hard work. That’s the standard. The game at the Linc just gives our scholar-athletes a bigger stage to do what they do every day.”

» READ MORE: How Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson are navigating the ‘culture shock’ of coaching at an HBCU | From 2025

For Lincoln, the Oct. 30 game will be its first game in Philadelphia in 16 years, when it played Cheyney University at Northeast High School in 2009 and 2010. The two programs played yearly from 2009 until Cheyney’s football program was shut down in 2017.

Lincoln was winless in 10 games last season, including a 66-21 loss at Virginia Union. Overall, Lincoln is 1-16 all-time against Virginia Union, with its only win coming in 2011, a 19-10 victory.

Kickoff times and ticket information for both games will be announced at a later date.

“Lincoln Financial Field is thrilled to serve as the host site for two highly anticipated HBCU matchups this season,” said Frank Gumienny, the Eagles’ senior vice president and chief operating officer. “In partnership with the City of Philadelphia, we look forward to hosting the programs, families, alumni, and fans for what will be a memorable One Philly HBCU Week at Lincoln Financial Field.”