NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee State will close out its 2025 home schedule Saturday at Nissan Stadium, hosting Gardner-Webb in a matchup that doubles as Senior Day for the Tigers. TSU holds a 2-0 all-time record against Gardner-Webb, and the Tigers will look to extend that streak while sending off their seniors in style.

First-year head coach Reggie Barlow praised his senior class, highlighting linebacker James Stewart, who will cap his college career with a spot in the HBCU Legacy Bowl, and kicker Coby May for their dedication and leadership. "I really have an appreciation for these senior guys that are here," Barlow said. "James Stewart has taken ownership and made Tennessee State his home. And Coby May comes to practice every day with genuine enthusiasm. It's a good group of guys who have contributed, and I'm just happy to be a part of what we've got going on here."

Stewart leads TSU's defense with 59 total tackles, including 16 tackles for loss and six sacks, anchoring a unit that has forced three fumbles and intercepted six passes this season. Fellow defenders Micah Gay (48 total tackles) and Sammy Taylor (44) have provided steady leadership in the secondary and linebacker corps, giving the Tigers a strong defensive backbone heading into the final home game.

On offense, TSU has developed a balanced attack, though the Tigers have struggled in conference play. Zack Simmons-Brown has rushed for 363 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Byron McNair has thrown for 1,232 yards and seven touchdowns with a 123.06 passer rating. Jonathan Palmer replaced McNair midway through TSU's 26-7 loss to UT Martin, marking the team's sixth consecutive conference defeat. Leading receivers Devaughn Slaughter and Snap Reed have combined for 700 yards and five touchdowns, providing reliable targets in the passing game. Punter Mark Shenouda has also made a mark, averaging 43.2 yards per punt with a long of 82 yards, tying a Tennessee State single-game record.

Gardner-Webb comes in with a 6-4 record and has won two of its last three games. The Runnin' Bulldogs rely on a potent rushing attack led by Carson Gresock (691 net yards, 12 TDs) and Quasean Holmes (796 net yards, four TDs). Quarterback Cole Pennington, a frequent OVC Player of the Week nominee, has thrown for 1,137 yards and four touchdowns this season, while receiver Chris Lofton leads the passing game with 712 yards and three touchdowns. Barlow emphasized that containing Gardner-Webb's run game and applying collective pressure on Pennington will be critical. "They want to run the ball at gap scheme type of stuff we've seen over the last few weeks," he said. "They're playing well, and we've got a lot of respect for them."

Barlow also spoke about Stewart's leadership and the significance of Senior Day: "James is going to want to go out with a bang, but if he just continues to play the way he's been playing, we'll be all right. It's important for our seniors to feel appreciated for all they've done. This is about sending them off the right way."

Discussing the HBCU Legacy Bowl, Barlow said, "I'm so grateful that Doug Williams and Shaq Harris came together to get the NFL involved. For our players to be seen by all 32 teams is huge, and it's great for Tennessee State, for our program, and for James."

Playing at home has been a major advantage for TSU this season. "It's been pretty cool to sleep in your own bed the night before, not have to leave early to travel, and to have our walkthroughs on campus," Barlow said. "Playing at Nissan Stadium is always fun — nice stadium, nice atmosphere, and we've really enjoyed that."

Senior Day will be a highlight for the Tigers, with pregame ceremonies, on-field recognition, and special presentations. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to celebrate the contributions of the seniors, who have helped shape the team's identity this season. "We're excited about hosting Gardner-Webb and hope to send our guys off the right way," Barlow said. "They've stayed in the fight all year, and I appreciate them for that."

TSU fans can expect an energetic game-day environment, with the marching band, cheerleaders, and fan engagement creating a memorable experience. With the Tigers aiming to finish their home slate strong, all eyes will be on James Stewart and his fellow seniors as they make their final stand in front of the home crowd.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 PM on Saturday afternoon at Nissan Stadium, with the Tigers looking to cap off the season at home with a win against a tough Gardner-Webb squad.