Norfolk State University Football: A New Era Fueled by Transfer Talent
Norfolk State University's football program is experiencing a resurgence, driven by the arrival of legendary quarterback Michael Vick as head coach and a strategic focus on attracting talent through the transfer portal. This article explores the impact of Vick's presence, the influx of transfer players, and the promising future of the Spartans football program.
The Michael Vick Effect: A Homecoming and a New Beginning
For years, Norfolk State football fans gathered at Foreman Field, eagerly anticipating the excitement that would come before the William “Dick” Price Stadium was built in 1997. One young, ambitious child entered the stadium with his middle school football team, taking in his first taste of a college football atmosphere. He quickly learned to recognize the pride and respect associated with the phrase "Behold the Green and Gold" throughout the games he attended.
That kid, of course, was Michael Vick. Over two decades later, fate brought the now-legendary figure back home. Norfolk State Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb formally introduced Michael Vick as the University’s 19th head football coach.
From the moment Norfolk State announced the hiring of Coach Vick, buzz and anticipation built rapidly around the program. The monumental move drew headlines from major media outlets, including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, and NBC News. Coach Vick’s presence and the ensuing attention brought an immediate limelight to one of the top public universities in the south - and the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Virginia.
The era began with a star-studded press conference on NSU’s campus just a few days after making the hire. Media members filled up the medium-sized venue, as well as several household names that carry significant weight both in the Hampton Roads community and on a national level - NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson and NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith smiled and photographed the moment with the same enthusiasm as the Norfolk State alumni in attendance.
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“I’m just happy,” Iverson told reporters after the ceremony. “I’m proud of him. We deserve this." Vick outlined the mindset he brings to the program, and the steps it will take to cultivate the winning environment he envisions. Every member of the team - from the coaching staff to the student-athletes to the student managers - will play a pivotal role in a broader movement to accomplish a championship goal.
Grateful for the opportunity to lead the next generation through the sport that shaped his life, Vick paid homage to Norfolk State’s motto: We see the future in you. “You see the future in me, I see the future in myself and I hope that the young men that we serve see the future in themselves,” he said. “That is the most important part of all of this. We are going to make the most out of this.
After a three-week search process, Vick announced the first eight additions to his coaching staff. The prestigious group included four former NFL players and several award-winning leaders.
Manning the defense, Terrence Garvin played in the NFL for six seasons, crossing paths with Vick as members of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization during the 2015 season. Previously holding the co-defensive coordinator title at Florida Memorial, he preaches an aggressive, energetic style of football - the Lions forced a SUN-conference best 13 fumbles last season while ranking second in the league with 13 interceptions.
Four-year NFL offensive lineman Elton Brown leads the offensive line unit, coming to Norfolk State from the Apprentice School. A consensus All-American at Virginia, his jersey No.
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Attracting Talent Through the Transfer Portal
Vick and his staff wasted no time attacking the transfer portal, attracting talent from across the country to join the culture-building movement at Norfolk State. The Spartans announced 30 signees on National Signing Day - 22 mid-year enrollees and eight high school seniors. A hometown hero, Vick faced little difficulty recruiting the 757 - a hotbed of football talent for decades. The impressive class included four transfers from Battle of the Bay rival Hampton, as well as former Delaware State defensive back Kahleef Jimmison, a standout from Newport News.
While student-athletes rush to join the buzz Michael Vick has brought to the area, he has taken the time to appreciate his familiar surroundings. The life-changing decision to enter the coaching realm has brought him closer to family, friends, and mentors.
“I’ve been able to be with my mom every day, being able to see her and my sisters and my cousins - seeing everybody growing up,” Vick said on ESPN’s SportsCenter. “I’ve been away for so long, ever since I went away for college, I haven’t been here consistently. Now I have a chance to be around my loved ones, so that means more to me than anything.
After a month of offseason strength training and conditioning, the new faces on the roster - as well as the long list of players from the fall who chose to return - could not wait to get spring practice underway. The time had come to put the pads on and play some football.
The team responded positively to Vick and his staff from their first moments on the field. USF transfer signal caller Israel Carter emphasized the significance of every piece of advice he received from the man who molded the most important position on the field.
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“It’s everything a young quarterback wishes for,” Carter said. “I’m following his path." While making some of his largest contributions to the sport at the professional level, Vick holds an esteemed status from his college days as well. Accumulating a 22-2 record in two years as Virginia Tech’s starting quarterback, Vick led the Hokies to the national title game in a magical freshman campaign - finishing third in the Heisman vote in the process (the top finish ever by a VT player).
Less than a month after receiving the Norfolk State head coaching job, Vick was selected as a member of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class. Now in a leadership position, Vick can pass his knowledge along to the next generation of quarterbacks. He welcomes the learning curve of his own, however, as he navigates his first season on the sidelines.
“Experience is the best teacher,” Vick said. “Just getting out here and doing it, believing in it, standing up in front of the guys each and every day trying to deliver the right message -trying to get them motivated, trying to get them pumped and ready to go. There’s a lot of moving parts, but at the same time it’s nothing like standing in the pocket with 300-pound linemen coming at you.
The Spartans take on Towson in a Thursday night home matchup on Aug. 28 to open the 2025 season, and Vick vows to put a team on the field that will make the Norfolk State fanbase proud.
“I’ve got to be accountable,” he said. “I’ve got to be responsible. I have to do all the things that I have to do to show [the players] that I’m trying to be the best head coach that I can be and the best leader that I can be.”
When the Spartans run out of the tunnel for the first time, Norfolk State students and alumni will not be the only supporters in attendance.
Key Transfer Additions: Earl Woods III and More
Among the notable transfer additions is Earl Woods III, a former Alabama high school football star. Woods, a dual-threat quarterback from Hueytown, Ala., was a standout at Hueytown High School, earning Gatorade Ala. Football Player of the Year honors in 2021. He had a record-breaking junior year with 3,072 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 2,123 rushing yards with 35 touchdowns.
He led his team to the state championship game and earned First Team All-State recognition, Class 6A Back of the Year honors and a finalist spot for Alabama’s Mr. Football. Woods followed up his junior year with another strong season as a senior, passing for 1,825 yards, 24 touchdowns, and rushing for 1,527 yards with 22 touchdowns. He was instrumental in leading Alabama to a victory in the Alabama vs. Mississippi All-Star Game. He also received offers from Army, Middle Tennessee, Navy, Austin Peay and Central Arkansas.
In 2023, Woods transferred to Jacksonville State, appearing in three games and rushing for 24 yards. He entered the transfer portal in 2024 and will now join Norfolk State, where he will be coached by Vick.
Although Woods stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 180 pounds, he’s known for his playmaking ability, much like his new coach.
Other Transfer Portal Moves
Jalen Daniels, a former three-star recruit and South Carolina quarterback. joined Norfolk State in 2024 as a transfer from Garden City Community College, where he racked up 1,282 passing yards and 9 touchdowns during the 2023 season. In the 2024 season, Daniels amassed 1,333 passing yards on 108 of 191 passes, averaging 7.0 yards per attempt. Daniels threw 11 touchdown passes while limiting himself to just four interceptions, earning a passer rating of 130.0 for the season.
Daniels' talent and his experience with the Spartans seemed poised to have him in the battle for the first-string QB job for Vick. But, the former Atlanta Falcons star brought in his own QB option in former USF quarterback Izrael Carter, who saw significant playing time during Norfolk State's Spring Game.
Carter, a dual-threat quarterback, brings an impressive resume to Norfolk State. Army All-America Bowl, where he scored a rushing touchdown.
His stellar senior year performance in high school included 1,863 passing yards, 23 touchdowns with just one interception, and a 60% completion rate. He also ran for 592 yards and added another 11 touchdowns on the ground. Recruiting platforms Rivals, ESPN, and 247 Sports rated him a three-star prospect.
Originally choosing USF over offers from big-name programs like Arizona State, Oregon, and Washington State, Carter saw limited action during his time with the Bulls. However, he showed glimpses of his potential in 2024. Against Tulsa, he completed six of eight passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 11 yards.
The Impact on HBCU Football
Billups' arrival at Norfolk State is not just about his individual journey; it also highlights the growing trend of Power Five transfers finding success in HBCU programs. As the Spartans prepare for the 2026 season, the addition of Billups is a testament to the program's continued growth and the commitment of Coach Vick to assemble a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
"Billups' transfer to Norfolk State is exactly the kind of story that resonates with the HBCU community. We love seeing talented players choose to showcase their skills at HBCUs, where they can be part of a rich tradition and contribute to the continued rise of these programs.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the influx of talent is exciting, Norfolk State is also facing the challenges of roster turnover. Michael Vick and Norfolk State are set to lose a quarterback to the transfer portal following their Spring game last Saturday.
“I truly feel gratitude as I look back on all the amazing moments we had together.
To my brothers in green, y'all boys helped me so much and kept me going. The extra time we dedicated to the game and continuous effort to get things right engrained such a respect for y'all that I know will stay with me. And to my coaches who were the backbone of the season for me, y'all will never know the impact y'all had on me. Words simply can't express the value all of you hold in my heart. A wise man once said, “Conquer the world today to the extent you can and be grateful for the progress you have made and the opportunity you had to do so.'”- Coach Kickstand
After many conversations with my family, I will be entering my name into the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility. Thank you Norfolk and good luck to all my brothers and the new coaching staff. #Behold”
Norfolk State University: More Than Just Football
Norfolk State University is experiencing growth and positive developments across various areas. The "Now Is Our Time" campaign exceeded its fundraising goal, demonstrating strong support for the university's mission. The university launched a women's golf program, expanding opportunities for student-athletes. NSU students showcased their innovation at the Black Enterprise Smart HBCU Hackathon, and the university received a $500,000 grant for a career support program. These initiatives, along with various partnerships and community engagement efforts, highlight Norfolk State's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community impact.
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