Saturday, August 29
Hampton, Va.
6:02 PM
Hampton University
vs
Virginia University of Lynchburg
Photo by: Katie Gilmore
The Van Malone Era at Hampton University Officially Begins Saturday
8.27.26 | Football
HAMPTON, Va. (August 27, 2026) … The Coach Van Malone Era at Hampton University begins on August 29 at 6 pm when Pirates take the field at Darling Stadium to face Virginia University-Lynchburg.
Malone was named the 23rd head coach in Hampton history on Dec. 12, 2025. A proven builder of culture with 23 years of experience in the collegiate ranks including 18 on the Power 4 level, he spent the last seven years as assistant head coach, pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach at Kansas State.
During his tenure, the Wildcats were 53-34 (.609) and earned five bowl invitations: Liberty Bowl ('19), the Texas Bowl ('21), the Sugar Bowl ('22), the Pop-Tarts Bowl ('23) and the Rate Bowl ('24).
The Pirates open against the Dragons of Virginia University-Lynchburg. Tim Newman (9-45 career) returns for his sixth season. Newman's son, Tim Jr., is an assistant coach, his wife, Cassandra, is the executive assistant, and son Jacob was a running back last season.
The Dragons finished 2025 with a 3-9 mark and enter 2026 with a six-game losing streak having been outscored 47.5 to 14.0 during the losing skein. The Dragons were 1-9 on the road last year and were Homecoming guests at Morgan State, Texas Southern, Benedict and Sacred Heart. The Dragons recorded wins over Barber-Scotia (54-0), Bluefield College (43-42) and South Carolina Central Christian (55-12) in 2025.
Under Malone, the Pirates feature a revamped offense and defense this season. A year ago, the Pirates averaged 17.9 ppg while yielding 36.7 ppg while finishing 2-10 (0-8 in the CAA).
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) return. Linebacker Cam Sturdifen (68 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss) and defensive end Korede Sogbesan (61 tackles and 8.5 TFLs) are Hampton's top returning tacklers.
The league' coaches tabbed OL Omari Allen, DL Korede Sogbesan and kicker Brett Starling to the preseason All-CAA team.
Malone was named the 23rd head coach in Hampton history on Dec. 12, 2025. A proven builder of culture with 23 years of experience in the collegiate ranks including 18 on the Power 4 level, he spent the last seven years as assistant head coach, pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach at Kansas State.
During his tenure, the Wildcats were 53-34 (.609) and earned five bowl invitations: Liberty Bowl ('19), the Texas Bowl ('21), the Sugar Bowl ('22), the Pop-Tarts Bowl ('23) and the Rate Bowl ('24).
The Pirates open against the Dragons of Virginia University-Lynchburg. Tim Newman (9-45 career) returns for his sixth season. Newman's son, Tim Jr., is an assistant coach, his wife, Cassandra, is the executive assistant, and son Jacob was a running back last season.
The Dragons finished 2025 with a 3-9 mark and enter 2026 with a six-game losing streak having been outscored 47.5 to 14.0 during the losing skein. The Dragons were 1-9 on the road last year and were Homecoming guests at Morgan State, Texas Southern, Benedict and Sacred Heart. The Dragons recorded wins over Barber-Scotia (54-0), Bluefield College (43-42) and South Carolina Central Christian (55-12) in 2025.
Under Malone, the Pirates feature a revamped offense and defense this season. A year ago, the Pirates averaged 17.9 ppg while yielding 36.7 ppg while finishing 2-10 (0-8 in the CAA).
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) return. Linebacker Cam Sturdifen (68 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss) and defensive end Korede Sogbesan (61 tackles and 8.5 TFLs) are Hampton's top returning tacklers.
The league' coaches tabbed OL Omari Allen, DL Korede Sogbesan and kicker Brett Starling to the preseason All-CAA team.
Players Mentioned
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RB
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DL
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DB
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