TSU kicked off the 2025 season with a 24–21 win over North Carolina A&T in the John A. Merritt Classic, highlighted by two long touchdown runs from Kendric Rhymes and a game-sealing blocked field goal. The Tigers now face a huge test, hosting No. 1 and defending FCS champion North Dakota State. The Bison opened with a 38–0 win over The Citadel and enter Nashville as the nation's top program with 10 titles since 2011.
Tennessee State (1-0) vs. #1 North Dakota State (1-0)
Date: Sat., September 6, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM CT
Location: NASHVILLE
Venue: Nissan Stadium (69,143)
TV: ESPN+
Dan Laing (pxp)
Darren Arbet (analyst)
Radio: WNSR — 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), 107.9 FM (Smyrna)
Sirius XM: Ch. 989 (app)
Stream: TSU Tigers App, WNSR.com, Alexa (Play WNSR)
Greg Pogue (pxp)
Dean Cokinos (analyst)
Social: @TSU_Tigers | @TSUTigersFB
Game Notes: TSU | NDSU
Game Day Information: Watch | Live Stats
WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN: TSU football can be heard on WNSR's flagship stations: 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), and 107.9 FM (Smyrna), and streamed online at WNSR.com. The broadcast is also available globally on Sirius XM. WNSR provides comprehensive pregame and postgame analysis, exclusive interviews with coaches and players, and behind-the-scenes content to enhance fan engagement. "The Voice of the Tigers," Greg Pogue, returns for his 14th season behind the mic and will be joined by veteran Arena Football League head coach and former Titans scout Dean Cokinos for home games, and TSU Assistant Athletic Director Nick Guerriero for road games. All TSU home games will be streamed live on ESPN+, and the action can also be accessed through the TSU Tigers app. Dan Laing returns for his third season as play-by-play announcer, joined in the booth by Arena Football Hall of Famer and Nashville Kats head coach Darren Arbet. Dean Cokinos will also serve as an analyst throughout the season.
WEEK 1 BY THE NUMBERS:
1: Tennessee State won the turnover battle with a +1 margin with three fumble recoveries compared to an interception and a lost fumble.
2: The Tigers forced two fumbles in the second quarter and capitalized with a 41-yard field goal by Freddy Perez, briefly taking a 10–7 lead.
4: Tennessee State recorded four sacks in the game, coming from James Stewart, Byron Davis, Ravon Johnson, and Bryce Gray.
11: Quarterback Jonathan Palmer connected with DeVaughn Slaughter for an 82-yard touchdown strike on the Tigers' first offensive play of the game, tying the score just 11 seconds after NC A&T's opening touchdown.
38: With six seconds remaining, Lathun Snipes blocked a 38-yard NC A&T field goal attempt. Matthew Wilson scooped up the ball and returned it 35 yards to secure the Tigers' victory.
41: Kicker Freddy Perez drilled a 41-yard field goal in the second quarter following a fumble recovery, giving TSU a 10–7 lead. He finished perfect on the night (1-for-1 FG, 3-for-3 PAT).
44: Punter Mark Shenouda averaged 44.0 yards on eight punts, dropping four inside the 20-yard line to help swing field position.
62: The Tiger defense tallied 62 total tackles, led by Kaiki Baker (9) and James Stewart (6). Stewart added 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and a forced fumble to pace the defense.
129: Devaughn Slaughter finished with 129 all-purpose yards, highlighted by his 102 receiving yards and an 82-yard touchdown catch, along with 35 yards on kickoff returns.
174: Kendric Rhymes rushed for 174 yards on 21 carries in his TSU debut, including explosive touchdown runs of 60 and 51 yards that came in the second half.
8,865: The Tigers opened the 2025 season and the John A. Merritt Classic in front of 8,865 fans at Nissan Stadium.
