NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee State has had little time to dwell on last week's loss to one of the nation's best. The Tigers will need every bit of focus Saturday when they turn the page and welcome Alabama A&M to Nissan Stadium for the debut of the Legacy Series.
The four-year agreement, announced in February, pairs two of the South's most tradition-rich HBCU programs in an annual matchup that will alternate between Nashville and Huntsville through 2028. The Tigers and Bulldogs first met in 1930, with TSU holding a 21–8 edge in the all-time series. The teams haven't faced each other since 2010, when Tennessee State claimed a 27–14 victory. Saturday's meeting at Nissan Stadium marks the beginning of a new chapter in this storied rivalry, with kickoff set for 3:30 PM.
For Tennessee State head coach Reggie Barlow, the chance to highlight history while testing his team against a familiar opponent is a rare opportunity.
"They had a shootout versus Alcorn State and was able to pull out the victory," Barlow said of Alabama A&M's home-opening win. "Really good team, quarterback [Cornelious Brown IV] playing well, got a lot of guys on defense running to the ball. So should be a fun matchup and i'm looking forward to it."
Saturday's game marks the first meeting between the schools in 15 years. TSU leads the all-time series 21–8, but Alabama A&M enters with momentum after Brown IV accounted for five touchdowns and 260 passing yards in a 41–31 victory over Alcorn State.
The Tigers, meanwhile, are trying to rebound from a loss to defending national champion North Dakota State. Barlow said the test offered value beyond the final score.
"Getting a chance to play against North Dakota State really was an honor for us. You always wanna see how you measure up against teams and programs like that," Barlow said. "In the second half, our guys went out, they stayed in the fight, they competed hard, and was able to play with some pride at the end of the game. So that made us proud that we finished like that. That game, I think, will help us down the road when we come up against another opponent like that that has great talent, great program and all that stuff."
TSU opened the year with a narrow 24–21 win over North Carolina A&T in the John A. Merritt Classic, a game that highlighted some of the Tigers' emerging playmakers. Running back Kendric Rhymes, a transfer from Southern, rushed for 174 yards and two scores in his debut. His coach sees him as more than just a weapon in the backfield.
"Obviously, he's a really good football player, even better person, comes to work every day with great attitude, positive attitude," Barlow said. "Playing in the SWAC, he's had his chances and opportunities to play against Alabama A&M. Like I said, he knows they're a tough team."
Quarterback Jonathan Palmer has thrown for 161 yards and one touchdown through the first two games, while freshman receiver Devaughn Slaughter has shown flashes as a deep threat, hauling in five catches for 106 yards and a score. The Tigers will need more consistency offensively to keep pace with Alabama A&M's high-powered attack.
Defensively, Tennessee State will look to build on flashes of toughness shown in the second half against North Dakota State. The Tigers know the key will be slowing down Brown and cutting down big plays, and if they can carry that fight into four quarters, they'll give themselves a strong chance to make the Legacy Series opener a memorable one.
Beyond the on-field matchups, Saturday also carries meaning for the program and its supporters. TSU has promoted the Legacy Series as a showcase for HBCU excellence and an opportunity to strengthen ties between two universities with proud football traditions. Barlow said the atmosphere will be just as important as the competition.
"We're looking forward to our fans coming out, being part of this game, cheering on our student-athletes, and bringing the noise," Barlow said. "I know our supporters will be there to back us."
For Big Blue, the Legacy Series opener offers a chance to reset, show resilience after a tough loss, and celebrate the program's place in HBCU football history. With tradition on one side, momentum on the other, and pride on the line, Saturday's matchup could be an early turning point in the Tigers' season.
