FAMU and Tennessee State revive historic college football rivalry this Saturday
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 9:03 AM
Last updated Sep 15, 2026
Florida A&M University (1-2) will face Tennessee State (0-3) on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Ken Riley Field in Tallahassee. This matchup rekindles a rivalry that began in 1956 during the Orange Blossom Classic. Current FAMU head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. emphasized the cultural significance of the game for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), referencing past interactions and coaching legends. The last meeting took place in 2017, with Tennessee State winning 24-13. This game marks FAMU's final contest before beginning their Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule.
- •FAMU and Tennessee State last played in 2017.
- •This game is part of a historically significant rivalry.
- •FAMU comes off a 77-7 loss to Miami.
- •Tennessee State lost 30-3 to Alabama A&M last week.
- •The rivalry began in the 1956 Orange Blossom Classic.
- 9:03 AMYahoo Sports — Why FAMU football's Tennessee State rivalry matters to 'HBCU culture'
"FAMU football and Tennessee State will reintroduce a rivalry that dates back to the 1956 Orange Blossom Classic and then the Atlanta Football Classic.
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