Norfolk State Forges Historic Home-and-Home Series with Ole Miss, Raising the Bar for HBCU Women’s Basketball
Norfolk, Va.—Norfolk State University’s women’s basketball program, fresh off its third consecutive MEAC Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance, is making national headlines again—this time for scheduling a groundbreaking home-and-home series with Ole Miss. The announcement marks another step in the Spartans’ rapid rise as a destination for high-profile, Power 5 matchups and underscores the growing recognition of HBCU women’s basketball on the national stage.
Norfolk State Spartans women’s basketball has long been a beacon of excellence within the MEAC, but the 2024-25 season stands out as one of the most successful chapters in program history. Under the leadership of head coach Jermaine Woods, the Spartans not only secured their third straight conference title but also earned their highest-ever NCAA Tournament seeding as a No. 13 seed. This run of success has caught the attention of college basketball powers, leading to unprecedented scheduling opportunities for Norfolk State.
The home-and-home series with Ole Miss, a nationally ranked SEC program, is set for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. Norfolk State will travel to Oxford, Mississippi, on November 3, 2025, with Ole Miss making its first-ever appearance at Echols Hall in Norfolk the following season. This series is historic for both programs: for Ole Miss, it’s a rare chance to face an HBCU in a home-and-home arrangement; for Norfolk State, it’s a validation of years of sustained success and a milestone moment in building the program’s national brand.
Norfolk State’s athletic director, Dr. Melody Webb, recently emphasized the significance of these matchups. “These games are about so much more than basketball,” Webb said. “It’s about showing our student-athletes, our fans, and the entire HBCU community that we belong on the biggest stages. To host a nationally ranked SEC team on our home court is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and vision of everyone at Norfolk State.”
The Spartans’ recent achievements are built on a foundation of strong player development, strategic recruiting, and a culture of championship expectations. Key players such as senior captain Aniyah Jones, who averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds per game last season, and sophomore sensation Deja Francis, the MEAC Rookie of the Year, have become household names in HBCU circles. The team’s style of play—fast-paced, defensively intense, and disciplined—has earned praise from analysts and opponents alike.
Norfolk State’s newfound national profile is also the result of a broader trend in college athletics: the push for more equitable exposure for HBCU programs. In recent years, initiatives like the NBA’s HBCU Classic, the NFL’s partnership with schools for the Celebration Bowl, and ESPN’s expanded coverage have helped bridge the gap between HBCUs and the mainstream sports landscape. Now, women’s basketball is following suit, with programs like Norfolk State at the forefront.
The scheduling coup with Ole Miss comes on the heels of another home-and-home agreement with Duke, one of the ACC’s top programs. Norfolk State will visit Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 12, 2025, with Duke making the return trip to Echols Hall the following season. These high-profile series are rare for any mid-major program, let alone an HBCU, and signal a new era for Norfolk State women’s basketball.
“As we continue to strive for greater visibility for HBCUs, collaborative agreements like this are instrumental in driving progress,” said Coach Jermaine Woods. “I appreciate Coach Kara Lawson and Coach Yo (Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin) for their willingness to engage with our institution. These games are not just about competition—they’re about respect, partnership, and elevating the entire HBCU community.”
Norfolk State’s historical context only magnifies the importance of these matchups. The university, founded in 1935, has always been a pillar of Black excellence in higher education and athletics. Its women’s basketball program, though sometimes overshadowed by its football counterpart, has quietly built a legacy of success, including four NCAA Tournament appearances since the early 2000s. The Spartans’ three-peat in the MEAC is a feat matched by few in conference history, and their recent accomplishments have rekindled alumni pride and student enthusiasm.
The impact of these high-profile games extends far beyond the court. For Norfolk State, hosting Ole Miss and Duke represents a rare opportunity to showcase its campus, community, and vibrant HBCU culture to a national audience. Home games at Echols Hall are already legendary for their energetic atmosphere, with sellout crowds, roaring drumlines, and passionate student sections. The addition of marquee opponents will only amplify this experience, drawing alumni back to campus and attracting new recruits.
These matchups also highlight broader trends in college athletics: the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities, the transfer portal, and the increasing importance of media rights. For HBCUs, these developments present both challenges and opportunities. While larger programs have benefited from multi-million-dollar media deals and lucrative sponsorships, HBCUs are just beginning to tap into their unique cultural value—through events like classics, homecomings, and high-profile games—to negotiate more favorable terms and expand their athletic brands.
Norfolk State’s recent success and bold scheduling provide a roadmap for other HBCUs looking to enhance their athletic profiles. The Spartans have shown that sustained excellence and strategic vision can open doors previously closed to Black college programs. As Coach Woods put it, “Our goal is to be the standard for HBCU women’s basketball. Every time we step on the court, we’re representing not just Norfolk State, but every HBCU that has ever been overlooked or underestimated.”
Looking ahead, Norfolk State’s upcoming slate includes not only the Ole Miss and Duke series but also a continued commitment to MEAC competition and national nonconference challenges. The Spartans are poised to build on their recent momentum, with a roster blending veteran leadership and promising young talent. Early-season nonconference games, such as road trips to Columbia, Missouri, and other Power 5 venues, will test the team’s mettle and prepare them for another run at the MEAC crown and another NCAA Tournament bid.
For fans of HBCU sports, Norfolk State’s rise is a source of inspiration. The program’s success on the court and in securing marquee matchups is a reminder of the rich athletic tradition at Black colleges and the untapped potential that still exists within the HBCU ecosystem. As the Spartans prepare to welcome Ole Miss and Duke to Echols Hall, they are not just hosting basketball games—they are hosting history, showcasing the best of HBCU tradition, and proving that Black college athletics continue to shape the future of American sports.
Direct quotes from Norfolk State’s leadership and recent statistics illustrate the program’s upward trajectory. The Spartans finished the 2024-25 season with a 25-7 overall record, a perfect 14-0 mark in MEAC play, and a 92-44 victory over Delaware State in their final home game. Key players like Aniyah Jones and Deja Francis have set new standards for individual and team excellence, while the coaching staff has been lauded for its ability to develop and retain top talent.
Norfolk State’s upcoming schedule features several high-profile nonconference games, including the road trip to Ole Miss on November 3, 2025, and a visit to Duke on November 12, 2025. The return games at Echols Hall the following seasons promise to be must-see events for HBCU fans and basketball enthusiasts alike.
As the Spartans continue their climb, the broader implications for HBCU women’s basketball are clear. The series with Ole Miss and Duke is more than a scheduling coup—it’s a statement about the value of Black college athletics and the power of partnership to drive progress. For Norfolk State and the HBCU community, the future has never looked brighter. The quest for respect, recognition, and a place at the national table is ongoing, but with each milestone, the message grows louder: HBCUs are here to stay, and their impact is just beginning to be felt.