Tennessee State University’s football program has earned a notable preseason distinction, with fourteen of its student‑athletes selected for the 2026 OVC‑Big South Football Association Preseason Players to Watch list.
Preseason Honors Across All Phases
The honors span every phase of the game, highlighting seven offensive standouts, three defensive standouts and four special‑teams contributors.
Among the recognized players, senior quarterback Daylin Lee arrives as a transfer from Winston‑Salem State, bringing with him a career that placed him second in program history with 5,616 passing yards and 55 touchdown passes.
Running back Zack Simmons‑Brown, a sophomore who paced the Tigers’ returning rushers with 456 yards and two touchdowns last season, headlines a group that also includes wide receiver Cam Bulluck, tight end Aaron Duncan and offensive lineman Breon Brown.
Defensively, sophomore defensive lineman Bryce Gray posted 25 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks in just ten games, while junior linebacker Sammy Taylor contributed a team‑high 51 tackles. Defensive back Syncere Safeeullah added 17 tackles, an interception returned 31 yards and two fumble recoveries.
Special‑teams selections round out the list with sophomore punter Davion Moore, kick return specialist Jaden Jones, punt return specialist Anthony Taylor and long snapper Steven Nelson.
Projected Standings
The Tigers are slated to finish eighth in the upcoming preseason poll, while defending conference champion UT Martin earned the top spot after receiving six of eight first‑place votes.