Honestly, if you're looking for a matchup that defines the "HBCU Experience," the Howard vs Tennessee State clash is basically it. It’s more than just a box score. It’s about the bands, the homecoming royalty, and a level of pride that dates back way before most of us were born. When the Howard University Bison and the Tennessee State University (TSU) Tigers meet, you've got two institutions with massive legacies colliding.
One is the "Harvard of the South" (though Howard folks in D.C. might argue they're the original), and the other is a Nashville powerhouse that has produced more Olympic track stars and NFL talent than most state schools could dream of.
What Really Happened in the Recent 2024-2025 Matchups
Lately, the Tigers have had Howard's number on the football field. It’s been kinda rough for the Bison. On October 18, 2025, Tennessee State took down Howard with a 24-7 win at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. This wasn't just any game—it was TSU’s homecoming. If you've ever been to a TSU homecoming in North Nashville, you know the energy is unmatched.
The Tigers' defense was a brick wall that day. They recorded four sacks and two interceptions. Byron McNair, the Tigers' QB, was incredibly efficient, tossing three touchdowns. Howard’s defense actually played well—they are statistically one of the best passing defenses in the MEAC—but their offense just couldn't find a rhythm. They finished with only 183 total yards.
The 2024 Centennial Heartbreaker
A year earlier, in 2024, Howard hosted TSU for their own historic 100th Homecoming. It was a massive deal in D.C. Over 10,000 people crammed into Greene Stadium. But the Tigers spoiled the party again, winning 27-14.
The turning point? A backbreaking 99-yard kickoff return by TSU's CJ Evans. Howard had just clawed back to make it 20-14, and the crowd was losing their minds. Then Evans caught the ball at the one-yard line and just... gone. It sucked the air right out of the stadium.
The Basketball Flip: Howard Strikes Back
While TSU has owned the gridiron recently, the hardwood is a different story. In November 2024, these two met in Atlanta for a neutral-site game that was an absolute track meet. Howard pulled out an 88-84 overtime thriller.
It was a showcase of pure skill. Howard shot 53% from the field. Blake Harper and Jaren Johnson were essentially unguardable. TSU’s defense, which is usually their calling card, couldn't stop the Bison’s ball movement.
- Final Score: Howard 88, TSU 84 (OT)
- Key Stat: Howard's 20 assists compared to TSU's 7.
- The Vibe: High-stakes, high-energy, and a reminder that Howard basketball is currently in a bit of a golden era under coach Kenneth Blakeney.
Why This Rivalry Matters Beyond the Score
You can't talk about Howard vs Tennessee State without talking about the culture. These aren't just schools; they're engines of Black excellence.
Tennessee State, founded in 1912, is legendary for its track and field program—the Tigerbelles. We're talking Wilma Rudolph territory. Their football program is no slouch either, often looking like an "SEC team on tape," as Howard coach Larry Scott put it. They recruit heavy hitters, often snagging FBS-level transfers who want that HBCU environment.
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Howard, founded in 1867, is the D.C. powerhouse. It's where Kamala Harris, Thurgood Marshall, and Toni Morrison walked the halls. When Howard plays, they carry the weight of that "Mecca" reputation.
The Coaching Chess Match
Larry Scott (Howard) and Eddie George (TSU) are both trying to modernize their programs while respecting the old-school traditions. Eddie George—yeah, the NFL legend—has brought a professional-level spotlight to Nashville. He’s focused on discipline and a physical ground game. On the other side, Larry Scott is building a defense-first culture at Howard that’s statistically elite but still searching for that consistent offensive spark to win the big non-conference games.
Misconceptions About the Series
People often think these teams play every year. Actually, they don't. They aren't in the same conference. Howard is in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), and TSU is in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
Because they aren't conference rivals, every game feels like a "Money Game" or a "Culture Game." They schedule each other because it draws crowds and helps the bottom line. It’s a business decision that just happens to produce great football.
Another myth? That Howard is "too academic" to be a football powerhouse. Tell that to the Bison defense that led the MEAC in total yards allowed in 2025. They hit just as hard as the Tigers; they just haven't had the same luck with explosive special teams plays recently.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Alumni
If you're planning to catch the next Howard vs Tennessee State matchup, here’s how to do it right:
- Book Homecoming Early: If the game is at Howard (The Yard) or TSU (Nissan Stadium/Hale Stadium), hotels will be gone six months in advance. No joke.
- Watch the Halftime: Most people go to the concession stand at halftime. Don't do that. The "Aristocrat of Bands" (TSU) and the "Showtime" Marching Band (Howard) are the main events for many.
- Check the Rosters: Look for the "bounce-back" players. TSU especially is famous for getting guys who transferred from big schools like Georgia or Alabama.
- Support the NIL: Both schools have active NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) collectives. If you want the Bison or the Tigers to keep winning, that's where the modern game is won.
The Howard vs Tennessee State rivalry is a snapshot of where HBCU sports are headed: higher profiles, better coaching, and a stubborn refusal to let tradition die. Whether it’s a kickoff return in D.C. or an overtime bucket in Atlanta, these two schools keep proving why they are the heartbeat of the culture.
To keep up with the next scheduled meeting, keep an eye on the official athletic sites at hubison.com and tsutigers.com, as non-conference schedules for 2026 and 2027 are being finalized this spring.