CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)- Virginia football’s home opener against Norfolk State has been moved to Friday night, Sept. 11, the school announced Thursday.
No kickoff time or television designation was released. The Spartans are coached by former Virginia Tech and NFL star Michael Vick.
UVA opens the season in Brazil against North Carolina State on Aug. 29.
This will mark the second-ever home opener for the Cavaliers that will be played on a Friday. The first Friday night opener ended in a victory for Virginia over the William & Mary Tribe in 2019. Bronco Mendenhall’s squad, led by quarterback Bryce Perkins, beat the Tribe 52-17.
Only two other home openers have not been played on a Saturday in Virginia football’s history. In 2002, the Matt Schaub-led Cavaliers fell to Colorado State on Thursday, August 22, 35-29. In the 1997 season, the Hoos fell on Thursday, September 4 to the Auburn Tigers, 28-17.
Virginia is 8-1 overall in home openers since 2017.
UVA won a program record 11 games in 2025, earning coach Tony Elliott a contract extension.
