Norfolk State University is a historically Black university in Norfolk, Virginia, competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Spartans have won multiple MEAC championships and made memorable NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Spartans mascot was chosen to represent the warrior spirit and discipline of ancient Sparta, embodying toughness and resilience.
The 2012 NCAA Tournament first-round upset of #2 seed Missouri, 86-84, one of the biggest upsets in tournament history and a proud moment for HBCU basketball.
Norfolk State's 2012 upset of Missouri was only the fifth time a #15 seed had beaten a #2 seed in NCAA Tournament history, making it one of the most celebrated HBCU basketball victories ever.
The Norfolk State Spartans compete in the MEAC and hold an all-time record of 468–438 (.517 winning percentage) across 29 recorded seasons dating back to 1997-98.
| Season | Record | Conference | Coach | AP peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 15-17 | 8-6 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2024-25 | 24-11 | 11-3 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2023-24 | 24-11 | 11-3 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2022-23 | 22-11 | 9-5 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2021-22 | 24-7 | 12-2 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2020-21 | 17-8 | 8-4 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2019-20 | 16-15 | 12-4 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2018-19 | 22-14 | 14-2 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2017-18 | 14-19 | 11-5 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2016-17 | 17-17 | 12-4 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2015-16 | 17-17 | 12-4 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2014-15 | 20-14 | 12-4 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2013-14 | 19-15 | 11-5 (MEAC) | Robert Jones | |
| 2012-13 | 21-12 | 16-0 (MEAC) | Anthony Evans | |
| 2011-12 | 26-10 | 13-3 (MEAC) | Anthony Evans | |
| 2010-11 | 12-20 | 8-8 (MEAC) | Anthony Evans | |
| 2009-10 | 11-19 | 9-7 (MEAC) | Anthony Evans | |
| 2008-09 | 13-18 | 9-7 (MEAC) | Anthony Evans | |
| 2007-08 | 16-15 | 11-5 (MEAC) | Anthony Evans | |
| 2006-07 | 11-19 | 10-8 (MEAC) | Dwight Freeman | |
| 2005-06 | 13-18 | 10-8 (MEAC) | Dwight Freeman | |
| 2004-05 | 13-14 | 11-7 (MEAC) | Dwight Freeman | |
| 2003-04 | 12-17 | 10-8 (MEAC) | Dwight Freeman | |
| 2002-03 | 14-15 | 10-8 (MEAC) | Dwight Freeman | |
| 2001-02 | 10-19 | 9-9 (MEAC) | Wil Jones | |
| 2000-01 | 12-17 | 11-7 (MEAC) | Wil Jones | |
| 1999-00 | 12-16 | 11-7 (MEAC) | Wil Jones | |
| 1998-99 | 15-12 | 11-7 (MEAC) | Mel Coleman | |
| 1997-98 | 6-21 | MEAC | Michael Bernard |
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| Rank | Team | Conference | All-Time Wins |
|---|
Top 100 by all-time D1 wins. Verified against the NCAA record book — and tiered so you can argue properly.
| # | COACH | RECORD | WIN % | SCHOOL(S) | YEARS | BEST SEASON / LEGACY |
|---|