Norfolk State and Delaware State might bring their rivalry back to the home of the Philadelphia Eagles this season. Or they might not. Even the head coach of one of those teams isn’t sure.
DeSean Jackson, the former NFL star now running Delaware State’s program, told HBCU Gameday that the potential move of this year’s matchup to Lincoln Financial Field is still up in the air. The game is scheduled for the fall, but with just over three months until kickoff, the details are far from locked in.
“It may or may not be,” Jackson said. “It ain’t 100%. It’s not a no or yes. It may be yes, it may not. I just want to tell you, just stay tuned.”
Big Crowd Last Time
The first meeting between these two MEAC schools in Philadelphia was a genuine event. More than 47,000 fans packed the Linc last season, making it one of the most visible HBCU regular-season games on the calendar. Delaware State beat Norfolk State 27-20 in front of a crowd that included celebrities and athletes, and the game aired nationally on ESPNU.
For context, that crowd was bigger than what some NFL teams draw on a Sunday. It was a showcase moment for both programs, especially for Jackson’s Hornets, who were riding momentum from a big homecoming win over North Carolina Central. On the other side, Michael Vick’s Norfolk State team was trying to bounce back after a tough loss to South Carolina State.
The atmosphere was electric. It felt like more than just a midseason HBCU game. It felt like a statement.
What’s the Holdup?
According to sources at MEAC Football Media Day, conversations are happening behind the scenes about moving this season’s Norfolk State-Delaware State game back to Lincoln Financial Field. But nothing is official. There are hurdles to clear, and the clock is ticking.
The outlet HBCU Gameday reported that several logistical issues remain unresolved. Neither school has confirmed a change in venue, and the MEAC hasn’t made an announcement either. So for now, it’s a waiting game.
Jackson, a Philly native and Eagles legend, didn’t exactly pour cold water on the idea. But he didn’t confirm it either. He just kept saying the same thing: stay tuned.
“Just stay tuned.”
That’s not a denial. But it’s not a yes. And with three months to go, fans of both programs are left wondering whether they’ll be making the trip to South Philly again this fall.
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