NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State head coach Dawson Odums said he's felt good about his team's summer workouts. The school was at MEAC football media day from downtown Norfolk on Tuesday. NSU finished with a record of 3-8 in 2023 and is picked to finish 5th in the MEAC preseason for a second straight year. 2022 champion North Carolina Central is the choice to take first.
The Spartans open up before a national audience for the first time in the 19th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Florida A&M on Saturday August 24th from Atlanta, Georgia (on 13NewsNow).
"This is the stage that they've really dreamed about playing on", said Odums. "When we were growing up, football on ABC was special. To play this brand of football on a national stage".
NSU did see improvement with new additions with Odums now having two straight recruiting classes. He's excited that plenty of eyes will be watching the Spartans to start the season.
"It says a lot about our program that they selected us and we've got something to prove".
This season the Spartans placing 13 players to MEAC all-preseason teams. Four of them on the first team. Senior quarterback Otto Kuhns was chosen on offense. On the defensive side, lineman Keshawn Lynch, linebacker AJ Richardson and defensive back Terron Mallory.
Predicted Order of Finish
School (1st Place Votes) Points
N.C. Central (4) 110
Howard (4) 92
Morgan State (1) 80
S.C. State (2) 78
Norfolk State (1) 50
Delaware State 22