NORFOLK, Va. | The Norfolk State University football team is officially back to work as the Spartans began preparations for its 2023 home opener - the Labor Day Classic - on September 2 at William "Dick" Price Stadium.

Norfolk State took to the field for the opening day of camp on Wednesday morning and head coach Dawson Odums was excited to welcome the team back to fall camp.

"These guys are coming out of the summer workouts and straight into fall camp," Odums, who is entering his third season, said. "I like the mindset. Today was a good first day! We're looking for greatness and we're stuck on the good category for right now as we are working to become great.

We've improved in a lot of areas, including team chemistry, and depth at key positions is a big improvement. Communication on defense was much better. I think for Day 1 we are excited, but we still have a long way to go."

Perhaps the biggest storyline in fall camp is at the quarterback position where a battle is brewing for the top spot.

Spartans starting quarterback from a year ago, Otto Kuhns, returns, as well as Izayah Whiteside. Also, in the mix for the starting position are transfers Ruben Lee II and Cameron Sapp and freshman Nolan James.

"I am waiting for the quarterback battle to unfold," Odums said.

Norfolk State opens the season at home on Sept. 2 against Virginia State and will round out the first month of the season at Dick Price Stadium on Sept. 30 versus North Carolina A&T State. The Spartans' homecoming game is on Oct. 28 against Morgan State and concludes the regular season on Nov. 18 versus South Carolina State.

All home games are scheduled for a 2 p.m. start.

Tickets for the upcoming season are now on sale and can be purchased through the NSU Ticket Office at: NSUSpartansTickets.UniversityTickets.com or by visiting the ticket office Monday-Friday (9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)

For complete coverage of Norfolk State athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @NSUSpartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.