Legendary HBCU Rivals Morgan State and Tennessee State to Renew Historic Football Series

NASHVILLE — Two of the most storied Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football programs in the nation are set to renew their rivalry after nearly four decades, as Morgan State University and Tennessee State University have agreed to a home-and-home series beginning in the 2026 season.

The announcement, made by Tennessee State Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen, will send the Morgan State Bears to Nashville on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The return game is scheduled for the 2027 season in Baltimore, giving the passionate fan bases of both schools a chance to witness this historic matchup on their home turf.

The matchup between these two HBCU powerhouses has a long and illustrious history, highlighted by several notable meetings over the years. Tennessee State holds an undefeated record all-time against Morgan State, including a 14-0 victory in the 1972 Atlanta Ebony Classic at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and a 21-0 shutout at Vanderbilt Stadium in 1985.

The two programs continued their run of games later in the decade, with Tennessee State winning 52-10 in Baltimore in 1986 and following up with a 37-17 victory at Hale Stadium in 1987.

"This series renewal is a testament to the enduring legacy and deep-rooted pride of HBCU athletics," said Tennessee State head coach Reggie Barlow. "We're excited to once again compete against a storied program like Morgan State and provide our fans with the opportunity to witness this historic rivalry come to life on the field."

Both Tennessee State and Morgan State carry a rich football tradition and longstanding institutional pride, making this agreement a rare non-conference opportunity for two iconic HBCU brands to meet in a true series format.

Tennessee State is coming off a 1-11 campaign in Reggie Barlow's first season as head coach, while Morgan State went 4-8 in 2025 under Damon Wilson. Additional details, including kickoff time, venue information, and ticket availability for the 2026 game in Nashville, will be announced at a later date.

HBCUConnect Perspective: This highly anticipated renewal of the Tennessee State-Morgan State football series is a significant event for the HBCU community, as it showcases the enduring legacy and competitive spirit of Black college athletics. The matchup between these two historic programs will not only provide an electrifying game day experience for their passionate fan bases, but it will also serve as a testament to the rich tradition and unparalleled importance of HBCU sports within the broader landscape of American collegiate athletics. This series revival is a must-see event that will undoubtedly captivate the HBCU faithful and reaffirm the vital role these institutions play in shaping the cultural and athletic fabric of our nation.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.