Last season, Delaware State’s football team was like the guy who brings a butter knife to a sword fight. Under the second-year head coach, Lee Hull, they managed just one win out of twelve games, finishing 1–11 overall and 0–5 in the MEAC. Their lone victory was a nail-biter against Sacred Heart, squeaking by with a 17–15 score. But the rest? They took some heavy hits, like a 69–35 loss to South Carolina State and a 38–0 shutout by Howard.

Despite the rough ride, there were glimmers of hope. Running back Jaden Sutton was a bright spot, racking up 1,220 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns over the season. The guy had a standout game against Campbell, rushing for 198 yards. Quarterback Marqui Adams also showed promise, throwing for 302 yards in a close 44–41 loss to Campbell. It wasn’t pretty, but you could tell they were trying to fight. They just needed way more help.

Cue the DeSean Jackson era, and suddenly the Delaware State Hornets are giving succession vibes. The former Eagles‘ WR took the reins back in December 2024. “The opportunity for me to help write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment consistent with my journey as a young boy finding his way to manhood through mentorship, accountability, achievement, and discipline,” Jackson said.

“If we build that kind of culture at Delaware State University, we will attract the right talent and radically change the trajectory of this program. I cannot wait to get started.” Now, Jackson is on a mission to flip the script in 2025 as he builds the roster for his team. On Monday, Jackson took to his official IG handle and shared a clip from Delaware State University with just one message as a head coach. “Every football player should come here…” he captioned.

Unfortunately, that can’t happen. According to the NCAA, there are approximately 77,000 college football players participating in college athletics at NCAA-member schools. And that’s where it gets pretty interesting. See, the roster cap for teams varies depending on the level of competition and the division they are part of.

As for the DSU, DeSean Jackson’s team comes under the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and is a part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) within the FCS. And that means only one thing—the newly appointed head coach can recruit around 90-110 players on the team’s roster.

As of 2025-26, the NCAA has proposed a 110-player roster cap for FCS teams, including 63 scholarship players, with the total roster size and number of walk-ons varying. And get this, Jackson didn’t waste any time flipping the script for Delaware. He hit the transfer portal hard, pulling in RB Kobe Boykin from Jackson State, WR Antonio Gates Jr. from Michigan State, and OL Elijha Payne from Arizona.

He even recruited players from Hawaii (LB Derek Boyd), Houston Christian (OL Rodney Leaks), and San Jose State (DE Alexander Cobbs). DeSean’s making it real clear — he’s here to stack talent and flip this thing fast. And if we believe the reports, the NFL legend-turned-college football head coach is gearing up to face off against his former Eagles teammate, Michael Vick.

DeSean Jackson wants to face Michael Vick at Lincoln Financial Field

There was a time over a decade ago in Philly where defenses straight-up lost sleep. We’re talking about Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson taking the center stage to wreak havoc on the opposition’s defenders. Take the “Miracle at the New Meadowlands,” for instance. I mean, if you’re a Giants fan back in December 2010? Oof. Trauma. The Eagles were down 31–10 with eight minutes left, Michael Vick went off — throwing for two TDs and rushing for another to tie it up 31–31.

Then DeSean Jackson finished the job, returning a punt 65 yards for a touchdown as time expired. No flags, no overtime — just pure heartbreak for the Giants. Philly won 38–31. Instant legend stuff. Fast forward to now, and both the Eagles’ legend switched their helmets for a head coach whistle. Just ten days before DeSean Jackson took the helm of the DSU, Vick was appointed the head coach of Norfolk State University.

And that, folks, is where it gets pretty interesting. Ahead of the 2025 season, D-Jax made it clear that he wants to face Vick at Lincoln Financial Field. When a reporter asked D-Jax if he’s still interested in playing against Vick, the NFL legend straight up admitted that they’re trying their best to make that happen. “I don’t know if I can release that information, but we’re trying,” he replied. “We’re trying any and everything to get that game at Lincoln Financial Stadium. It’s a possibility for sure.”

Folks out there believe that Jackson and his former Eagles’ security chief, Big Dom, are trying everything to make this happen. And get this. If all goes well, this game isn’t going to be a show-off. Oh no. In fact, the game would attempt to raise the profile of Delaware State and all of HBCU football. After all, DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick want other NFL players to join the HBCU football as well.