NASHVILLE — Tennessee State men's basketball has announced the first two additions to its 2026 signing class, as head coach Nolan Smith welcomes guards Isaiah Stewart and Leyton McGovern to the program.
The Tigers look to continue their winning ways after returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 32 years, building momentum into the next phase of the program as Tennessee State adds a blend of junior college production and Division I experience to a roster designed to once again contend for an Ohio Valley Conference championship.
Stewart transfers to Tennessee State from Northern Illinois, where he appeared in 13 games during the 2025–26 season. He shot 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range in limited action, providing efficient production in his minutes.
He recorded a season-high five points against East-West U., adding six rebounds and two assists, and connected from beyond the arc against Lindenwood and Akron.
Prior to his time at Northern Illinois, Stewart competed at Big Tyme Prep, where he appeared in 33 games during the 2024–25 season. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game and finished his prep career with 2,004 career points.
McGovern joins TSU following two productive stops at Compton College and College of the Sequoias, where he developed into a dynamic scoring threat and one of the more explosive guards in the junior college ranks.
At Compton, McGovern appeared in 17 games with seven starts, averaging 16.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field. He recorded multiple 20-point performances, including a season-high 33 points against West Valley and a 31-point outing versus Rio Hondo, finishing with 282 total points. A high-flying guard with elite explosiveness and playmaking ability, McGovern has showcased his full offensive arsenal, including a 27-point performance that highlighted his ability to score at all three levels. A natural shot creator, he pairs next-level athleticism with the ability to impact the game across the floor. He was also recognized nationally, earning a spot on the JUCO Top 100 player rankings list at No. 94.
Prior to that, McGovern competed at College of the Sequoias during the 2024–25 season, where he played in 27 games with nine starts and averaged 13.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per contest. He shot 46.0 percent from the field and delivered standout performances, including 30 points against Porterville and 29 points versus Merced.
Stewart and McGovern add versatility, scoring ability and depth to the Tigers' backcourt as Tennessee State continues to build its 2026 signing class under Smith.
