Tennessee State University opened its 2026 football season on August 29 at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium, where it faced Jackson State University in the annual John Merritt Classic. The game ended 26‑24 in favor of Jackson State after a dramatic final drive.
Both teams traded early points, with Jackson State's freshman kicker Andrew Ivaniciuc connecting on four field goals, three of them in a row, while Tennessee State struggled to move the ball early in the contest.
TSU quarterback Daylin Lee, a transfer from Winston‑Salem State, completed 23‑of‑41 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown, but the offense stalled after the opening series, giving Jackson State possession at the outset.
Turning Point
Midway through the game, Lee found sophomore receiver Francisco Pratts III on a 5‑yard touchdown pass that put Tennessee State ahead. Jackson State answered quickly, with Emari Matthews rushing for a 2‑yard score to regain the lead.
The momentum shifted again when TSU's senior kicker Preston Hurless missed a 37‑yard field goal attempt, allowing Jackson State to reclaim the advantage. That miss proved decisive in the final minutes.
In the closing seconds, Jackson State quarterback Jared Lockhart threw a touchdown pass that sealed a 26‑24 victory. The narrow loss left the Tigers reflecting on a season opener filled with promise and near‑misses.