Tennessee State Tigers football

The Tennessee State Tigers football program represents Tennessee State University in the sport of American football. The Tigers compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as member of the OVC–Big South Football Association.

History

NCAA Relegation

In 1981, the Tennessee State Tigers were relegated from Division I-A to Division I-AA.

First FBS Victory

Tennessee State Tigers first FBS victory came in 2017 when they defeated the Georgia State Panthers 17-10 for Georgia State's season home opener.

Championships

National championships

Conference championships

Postseason appearances

Bowl games

Tennessee State has competed in ten bowl games and has a record of 8–1–1.

NCAA Division I-AA/FCS playoffs

The Tigers have made seven appearances in the NCAA Division I FCS Football Championship playoffs, with a combined record of 3–7.

College Football Hall of Fame members

Alumni in the NFL

Over 100 Tennessee State alumni have played in the NFL, including:

• Richard Dent
• Onzy Elam
• Joe Gilliam
• Mike Hegman
• Sylvester Hicks
• Bennie Anderson
• Claude Humphrey
• Ed "Too Tall" Jones
• Jim Kelly
• Greg Kindle
• Loaird McCreary
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
• Harold Rice
• Anthony Shelton
• Jim Thaxton
• Mike Jones
• Larry Kinnebrew
• Steve Moore
• Herman Hunter
• Gilbert Renfroe
• Malcolm Taylor

Annual Classic

• Southern Heritage Classic

Future non-conference opponents

Announced schedules as of March 16, 2026.

1. John A. Merritt Classic

References

External links