They were led by third-year head coach Latrell Scott and played their home games at William "Dick" Price Stadium.

In a vote of the MEAC head coaches and sports information directors, the Spartans were picked to finish in sixth place.

[1] The Spartans had seven players at eight positions selected to the preseason all-MEAC teams.

Due to inclement weather, the JMU–Norfolk State game was mutually ended after the first quarter.

This game was originally scheduled for September 15, but was moved to December 1 due to Hurricane Florence.