WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University football team will open its 2026 campaign on the road against non-conference opponent Norfolk State University on Saturday, Aug. 29, at William "Dick" Price Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

When: Saturday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. (ET)
Where: William "Dick" Price Stadium – Norfolk, Virginia
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CIAA Preseason Poll
Winston-Salem State was picked to finish fifth in the 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Preseason Poll. Virginia Union was selected as the preseason favorite, followed by defending CIAA champion Johnson C. Smith, Fayetteville State, and Virginia State.

The Rams enter the season under first-year head coach Tory Woodbury, a WSSU alumnus and former Rams quarterback who returns to Winston-Salem after an extensive playing and coaching career. Woodbury will look to build upon the foundation of WSSU football while establishing a new identity for the Rams.

A New Era Begins
Woodbury begins his first season as head coach at his alma mater after spending the 2025 season on Norfolk State's coaching staff as the Spartans' special teams coordinator. The season opener therefore provides an immediate reunion for Woodbury, who will face his former program in his first game leading the Rams.

A former WSSU quarterback, Woodbury brings collegiate and professional experience to Winston-Salem. He will be joined by Calvin Randall, who serves as associate head coach and offensive coordinator, and Errick Hargrove, who serves as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.

Looking at the Offense
The Rams enter the 2026 season with a revamped offensive unit under Randall. Senior running back Taron Biles-Walker and graduate student Jayden Grimes provide experience to the offensive attack, while WSSU will look to establish consistency at the quarterback position. Grimes also provides an additional threat in the return game.

WSSU welcomes a large group of newcomers and transfers to the 2026 roster, giving the Rams additional depth and competition across the offensive unit. The Rams will look to establish a balanced attack and take advantage of their athleticism as they begin the Woodbury era.

Looking at the Defense
Hargrove leads the Rams' defense, serving as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. WSSU returns a combination of experienced players and newcomers across all three levels of the defense.

Senior defensive back Chancellor Smith, a transfer from Alabama A&M, provides experience in the secondary, while junior defensive lineman Mecca Carr-Bordeaux anchors the defensive front. The Rams will look to play with discipline and physicality as they face a Norfolk State offense that averaged 20.9 points per game in 2025.

Scouting Norfolk State
Norfolk State enters the 2026 season under second-year head coach Mike Vick after finishing 1-11 in 2025. The Spartans' offense will look to replace quarterback Otto Kuhns, who passed for 2,093 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, while running back X'Zavion Evans returns after rushing for 1,024 yards and six touchdowns. Wide receivers Kam'Ryn Thomas and DreSean Kendrick also return after combining for 1,512 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Defensively, Terique Miles returns after leading the Spartans with 84 tackles in 2025, while Major Dillard recorded 70 tackles and Ty Jones added 68. Defensive lineman David Ojiegbe led Norfolk State with 7.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.

Familiar Face
Saturday's season opener carries additional significance for Woodbury, who spent the 2025 season on Norfolk State's coaching staff as special teams coordinator. Woodbury will now return to Norfolk as the opposing head coach, leading his alma mater in his first game at the helm of the Rams.

Up Next
Following the season opener at Norfolk State, Winston-Salem State will return home to host Mars Hill University on Saturday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. inside Bowman Gray Stadium.

For more information on Winston-Salem State Athletics and its 12 varsity sports, visit wssurams.com.