Tennessee State University and Jackson State University will open their 2026 football seasons with a matchup that has been relocated after a scheduling conflict with a Tennessee Titans preseason game.
The game is set for August 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Central Time and will be played at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, keeping the contest in the city where the rivalry has deep roots.
A historic venue for a historic rivalry
The event, known as the John A. Merritt Classic, is being presented by the Tennessee Titans and ONE Community, and tickets for Tennessee State’s single‑game attendance will go on sale on June 15, 2026, at 9 a.m. Central Time.
Tennessee State athletic director Mikki Allen said she is thrilled to bring the classic to FirstBank Stadium, noting the venue’s significance as a tribute to Coach John Merritt, whose legacy includes a 14‑4‑1 record at Vanderbilt’s historic Dudley Field.
Vanderbilt athletic director Candice Lee added that hosting the classic honors the coach’s impact on the university and the broader Nashville sports community, recalling Merritt’s 2‑1 record against Jackson State and his memorable 20‑3 victory over top‑ranked Florida A&M in 1979.
The move not only preserves the tradition of the rivalry but also highlights the collaborative effort among the three institutions, the Titans, and community partners to celebrate a pivotal figure in college football history.