Football | 4/9/2026 1:00:00 PM
BALTIMORE, Md. (April 9, 2026) ? The Morgan State football team is set to take the field for its annual Spring Game on Thursday, April 16, at Hughes Stadium, as the Bears continue preparations for the 2026 season.
The highly anticipated intrasquad scrimmage will provide fans with an early look at the team's progress during spring camp, showcasing talent on both sides of the ball. Scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., the Spring Game will feature the Blue team defense facing off against the Orange team offense in a series of scrimmage-style situations.
Head coach Damon Wilson emphasized that the focus of the Spring Game will be on fundamentals and situational execution.
"Really, it's about execution. We want our guys to execute well, especially during situational periods. The focus is on minimizing self-inflicted penalties and performing effectively in those key moments. That's been our emphasis all spring—understanding situational football and improving in those areas."
The event is an important evaluation for the coaching staff and gives players a chance to show their development and compete in a game-like environment as the Bears build toward the fall season.
Fans are encouraged to attend and support the Bears while getting a firsthand glimpse of the program's growth and potential heading into the new campaign. The Spring Game also offers a unique opportunity to interact with players and coaches.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Morgan State will open the 2026 regular season with back-to-back road contests, beginning with a CAA matchup at North Carolina A&T on Aug. 29, followed by an FBS showdown at Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz., on Sept. 5.
The Bears return home for their home opener against Virginia University of Lynchburg on Sept. 12, before welcoming Robert Morris for Homecoming on Oct. 10. Morgan State will then open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play at home against longtime rival Howard.
Game Format
The annual Spring Game will feature the Orange squad (Offense) versus the Blue squad (Defense) in a 60-play scrimmage, with special teams periods incorporated throughout.
• Offense will wear Orange
• Defense will wear Blue
• The scrimmage will consist of 60 total plays
• Punting and field goal situations will be included during the scrimmage
Scoring System
Orange (Offense)
• 6 points for a touchdown
• During situational periods, the offense may earn 3 points for a successful conversion (ex, converting on 3rd down) Blue (Defense)
• 3 points for a defensive stop
• 4 points for a turnover Special Teams
• All kickoffs, field goals, and punts will be conducted on air
Game Schedule
• 6:30 p.m. | Pre Practice
• 6:45 p.m. | Stretch
• 7:00 p.m. | Individual
• 7:10 p.m. | Unit
• 7:20 p.m. | Redzone (10 plays)
• 7:00 p.m. | Scrimmage 10 plays 3rd in short, 10 plays 3rd and medium, 2 (2-minute situations from the -35 with the offense down 3 with 2 timeouts), and three drives (Should total 65 plays)
• 7:30 p.m. | Half Time
• 7:35 p.m | Scrimmage 3 drives that will start at the 20
• 8:10 p.m. | All up
FOLLOW MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS IN CYBERSPACE
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official website of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios, and more.
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.