The 2026 Tennessee State Tigers football schedule is set. Tennessee State plays in the Ohio Valley Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Tigers open August 29 vs Jackson State. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Tennessee State Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Ohio Valley Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 7
- Opener: August 29 vs Jackson State
- Finale: November 21 at Gardner-Webb
2026 Tennessee State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Jackson State | Home (John Merritt Classic) | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Georgia | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Alabama A&M | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at Florida A&M | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | at Western Illinois | Away | OVC |
| Oct 10 | vs UT Martin | Home | OVC |
| Oct 17 | vs Morgan State | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 24 | vs Charleston Southern | Home | OVC |
| Oct 31 | at Lindenwood | Away | OVC |
| Nov 7 | vs Southeast Missouri State | Home | OVC |
| Nov 14 | vs Eastern Illinois | Home | OVC |
| Nov 21 | at Gardner-Webb | Away | OVC |
Tennessee State opens the season August 29 vs Jackson State and closes the regular season November 21 at Gardner-Webb.
How the 2026 Tennessee State Season Sets Up
Tennessee State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 5 non-conference dates and 7 Ohio Valley Conference games. The Tigers play 6 home games, and 6 on the road. The schedule includes the John Merritt Classic, vs Jackson State on August 29.
Tennessee State, the Ohio Valley Conference Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Ohio Valley Conference champion earns the league automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket, so the conference race doubles as a playoff race. Follow the standings on our 2026 Ohio Valley Conference football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Tennessee State in 2026
Tennessee State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks and regional outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed in the weeks before kickoff, so bookmark this page and check back as the matchups firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Tennessee State open the 2026 season?
Tennessee State opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Jackson State. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Gardner-Webb.
How many games do the Tigers play in 2026?
Tennessee State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 7 Ohio Valley Conference games.
Does the Ohio Valley Conference champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Ohio Valley Conference champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Ohio Valley Conference teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Tennessee State schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Tennessee State schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Tennessee State football in 2026?
Tennessee State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks and regional outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
