Tennessee State football prepares for 2026 season after disappointing 2025 campaign
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 10:00 AM
Last updated Jul 30, 2026
Tennessee State football will begin its 2026 season on July 31, looking to improve from a 2-10 record in 2025. Coach Reggie Barlow enters his second season with a focus on revamping an offense that struggled, finishing last in the OVC in both passing and rushing. The team is set to face Jackson State on August 29 and travel to Georgia on September 5. Noteworthy storylines include a quarterback competition featuring Byron McNair and transfer Daylin Lee, as well as bolstering an offense with key returning players like running back Zack Simmons-Brown and tight end Aaron Duncan. The defense, which showed improvement last season, will rely on the leadership of returning starters such as linebacker Sammy Taylor.
- •Tennessee State starts preseason practice on July 31.
- •Team finished 2-10 overall, 0-8 in the Ohio Valley Conference in 2025.
- •Quarterback competition includes Byron McNair and Daylin Lee.
- •Tigers face Jackson State in the John Merritt Classic on August 29.
- •Defense ranked second in OVC in total defense last season.
- 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Can Tennessee State football improve on 2-10 season in 2025? Three storylines for 2026
"Tennessee State's first practice for the 2026 season is on July 31 with the Tigers determined to improve after losing their last five games in 2025.
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