HAMPTON, Va. (March 12, 2026) … Hampton University will open its spring football drills on Monday, March 16. It will mark the first practice under new head coach Van Malone.
 
A proven builder of culture with 23 years of experience in the collegiate ranks --- 18 on the Power 4 level --- Coach Malone came to Hampton after seven seasons as assistant head coach, pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach at Kansas State.
 
During his tenure, the Wildcats posted a 53-34 (.609) record and earned five bowl invitations: the Liberty Bowl (2019), the Texas Bowl (2021), the Sugar Bowl (2022), the Pop-Tarts Bowl (2023) and the Rate Bowl (2024).
 
The Pirates return seven starters on offense and four on the defensive side. On offense, running back Donovan Shepard (75 carries for 322 yards) and wide receiver Marshawn Ferguson Jr. (27 catches for 270 yards) lead the way. Linebacker Can Sturdifen (68 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss) is Hampton's leading tackler among returnees.
 
With a rebuilt roster, the Pirates will open the 2026 campaign on Aug. 29 when Hampton hosts Virginia University-Lynchburg at Armstrong Stadium. On Sept. 5, Hampton will play its first-ever game against a Power 4 opponents when the Pirates play at Maryland. Homecoming is set for Oct. 24 against Monmouth.