If you were anywhere near Nashville this past October, you felt it. The energy wasn't just about football; it was about pride. When Tennessee State vs Howard kicks off, it’s more than just an intersectional matchup between the Big South-OVC and the MEAC. It’s a clash of cultures, legacies, and two programs trying to prove they belong at the top of the FCS conversation.
Honestly, the most recent chapter in this series was a bit of a shocker. Tennessee State came into their 2025 Homecoming game at Nissan Stadium on a brutal five-game losing streak. They looked vulnerable. Howard, meanwhile, was looking for blood after losing their own 100th Homecoming game to the Tigers the year before.
But football is weird.
Instead of a Howard revenge tour, we saw a defensive masterclass from the Tigers. Tennessee State walked away with a 24-7 victory, proving that when it comes to Homecoming, they simply don't like to lose. In fact, that win marked their seventh straight Homecoming victory. You’ve gotta respect that kind of consistency when the stakes are that high.
The McNair Factor and the 2025 Breakdown
Let's talk about Byron McNair. The kid was surgical. He didn't just play well; he played nearly perfect football. Completing 18 of 22 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns without a single interception is the kind of stat line coaches dream about.
He didn't just beat Howard with his arm, either.
McNair led the Tigers in rushing with 47 yards. It wasn't flashy, but it was effective. It kept the chains moving. Howard’s defense, which actually entered the game ranked first nationally against the pass, found out the hard way that rankings don't always matter on a Saturday in Nashville.
The game started fast. Just four minutes in, McNair hit Snap Reed on a fade route for a 10-yard score. Howard fought back, though. Anthony Reagan Jr. punched in a 2-yard run in the second quarter to tie it up. For a second, it looked like we were in for a shootout.
👉 See also: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
Turning Points and Defensive Dominance
Then the wheels sorta fell off for the Bison. Micah Gay happened.
Gay, a safety for TSU, snagged two interceptions that completely flipped the momentum. His first pick gave the Tigers the ball at the Howard 32-yard line late in the second quarter. McNair capitalized almost immediately, finding tight end Connor Ruth for a 6-yard touchdown with only 24 seconds left on the clock.
Going into the half up 14-7 is a massive psychological edge.
The second half was all Blue and White. TSU’s defense was suffocating, holding Howard to a measly 183 total yards. To put that in perspective:
- Howard's rushing attack was limited to 67 yards.
- They only managed 116 yards through the air.
- TSU recorded four sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Basically, Howard couldn't breathe.
Spoiling the "Yard of Fame" in 2024
We can't talk about the current state of Tennessee State vs Howard without looking back at the 2024 game. This was Howard’s 100th Homecoming—the "Yard of Fame." It was supposed to be a historic celebration in D.C. at Greene Stadium.
TSU didn't care about the party.
✨ Don't miss: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
They walked into a sold-out stadium and handed Howard a 27-14 loss. Draylen Ellis was the hero that day, throwing for 289 yards and running for another score. But the real backbreaker? CJ Evans returning a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown right as the third quarter ended.
That’s the kind of play that sucks the air out of a stadium. It’s also why this rivalry is starting to feel a bit one-sided lately. TSU has now won the last three meetings, including a 45-0 blowout back in 2001 and these last two back-to-back wins in '24 and '25.
Why the Post-Eddie George Era Matters
There was a lot of talk when Eddie George left TSU to take the head coaching job at Bowling Green. People wondered if the program would slide back into mediocrity. Transitioning to a new coaching staff is always messy.
And yeah, the 2025 season started rough. Being 1-5 before the Howard game had fans nervous.
But winning a high-profile game against a respected program like Howard shows the culture George built—and the one the current staff is maintaining—has some staying power. It shows resilience. Howard, led by Larry Scott, is a tough, physical team. Beating them twice in two years, once at their place and once at yours, is a statement.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
People tend to look at the scoreboard and think Howard just isn't "up to par." That’s a mistake. Howard’s defense is legitimately elite in the FCS. They came into Nashville in 2025 with a "Buffalo Soldier" defense that was statistically one of the best in the country.
The difference wasn't talent. It was execution in the Red Zone.
🔗 Read more: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
TSU went 4-for-4 in the Red Zone during the 2025 game. Howard went 1-for-1. The problem was Howard couldn't even get to the Red Zone. They struggled with turnovers and couldn't find a rhythm with quarterback Tyriq Starks, who was harassed by the TSU front four all afternoon.
The Cultural Significance of the Game
You can't ignore the "HBCU factor" here. This isn't just a game in the standings. It’s a meeting of two of the most prestigious Black colleges in the United States.
Howard, the "Mecca" in D.C., vs. Tennessee State, the powerhouse in Nashville.
When these two play, the bands are just as important as the linebackers. The tailgating starts days in advance. The 2024 game celebrated 100 years of Homecoming, a tradition that Howard actually started back in 1924. To have TSU be the opponent for that milestone says a lot about the respect between the two schools.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're following this rivalry or looking ahead to the 2026 schedule, keep these points in mind:
- Homecoming is Sacred for TSU: Never bet against Tennessee State on their Homecoming. They have a psychological lock on that game that spans nearly a decade.
- Defense Wins the MEAC/OVC Clash: Both teams prioritize physical, defensive-minded football. Expect the "Under" to be a safe bet in future meetings unless both teams find superstar QBs.
- Watch the Turnover Margin: In both 2024 and 2025, the team that won the turnover battle won the game comfortably. TSU was +2 in both contests.
- The Momentum Shift: TSU has the historical edge now ($3-0$ in the modern era). Howard is going to be playing with an massive chip on their shoulder the next time these two meet.
If you want to dive deeper into the stats, check out the official box scores at TSUTigers.com or HUBison.com. Seeing the drive charts really illustrates how TSU managed to stifle Howard’s offense.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the 2026 recruitment classes for both schools. Tennessee State is leaning heavily into mobile quarterbacks, while Howard is continuing to build that "Buffalo Soldier" defensive identity. The next matchup is already shaping up to be a grudge match you won't want to miss.
Next Steps for the Die-Hard Fan:
- Mark your calendar for the 2026 John A. Merritt Classic; TSU is renewing their rivalry with Jackson State, which will be another massive barometer for the program.
- Review the 2025 film of Micah Gay. If he stays healthy, he’s an NFL-caliber prospect who will be the centerpiece of the Tigers' defense next season.
- Keep an eye on Howard’s Anthony Reagan Jr. Despite the loss, his ability to grind out yards against a stacked box is impressive and will be key for the Bison moving forward.