League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

TSU to face Jackson State at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium in 2026 opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 2:49 PM

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

TSU to face Jackson State at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium in 2026 opener

Summary

Tennessee State University will open the 2026 football season against Jackson State at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium on August 29 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The game, part of the John A. Merritt Classic, was moved from Nissan Stadium due to scheduling conflicts with the Tennessee Titans, who will host the Chicago Bears. Vanderbilt will host the classic, with both the Titans and ONE Community continuing their support as sponsors. TSU athletic director Mikki Allen expressed excitement about the event, emphasizing the legacy of Coach John Merritt, who enjoyed significant success at the venue. Single-game tickets for the 2026 season, including this classic, will go on sale June 15.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•The game is scheduled for August 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. CT.
•It is part of the John A. Merritt Classic.
•The event returns to a venue where Coach John Merritt had many successes.
•Tickets for the classic will be on sale starting June 15.
•The Titans and ONE Community will continue as presenting sponsors.

Latest Updates

2:49 PMYahoo Sports — TSU football to play Jackson State at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium

What they're saying

"
The Tennessee State-Jackson State 2026 season opener will be played at Vanderbilt instead of Nissan Stadium due to a scheduling conflict with the Titans
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Chicago Bears Tennessee Titans NFL Football