The Jackson State–Tennessee State separation didn’t last very long, thank goodness.
Tuesday morning, both schools announced that they will resume their football rivalry Saturday, Aug. 29, in the John A. Merritt Classic at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
“The John A. Merritt Classic provides the perfect stage to renew our rivalry with Jackson State,” Tennessee State athletic director Mikki Allen said. “Hosting the game in 2026 and returning to Jackson in 2027 reflects the tradition and excitement this matchup brings to both programs.”
“We are excited to renew our rivalry with Tennessee State in Nashville and next year at home,” Jackson State athletic director Ashley Robinson added. “This is a great opportunity for our football program and our fans as we kick off the season at the John A. Merritt Classic.”
The JMC will mark the first meeting of TSU and JSU since 2022, when Jackson State withdrew from the Southern Heritage Classic due to a scheduling conflict. JSU won that game 16-3.
Tennessee State has since left the SHC as well, with Alcorn State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff playing in the 2025 edition of the game.
Jackson State and Tennessee State first met in 1949, and Tennessee State holds a 30-23-3 lead in the all-time series.
