Tennessee State football vs. Jackson State live updates: Start time, TV channel
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Tennessee State football begins its second season under coach Reggie Barlow on Aug. 29 against Jackson State in the John Merritt Classic at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium at 7:30 p.m. CT. on ESPN+.
Barlow's inaugural season did not go well. TSU posted a 2-10 record, its worst since 2002 when coach James Reese went 2-10 in his third season.
Jackson State is coming off a 9-3 season heading into coach T.C. Taylor's fourth season. JSU advanced to the SWAC championship game in 2025, where it lost to Prairie View A&M 23-21.
Tennessee State vs. Jackson State: Daylin Lee will start at QB for Tennessee State
After battling the 2025 starter Byron McNair in the preseason, Daylin Lee has been named the starting quarterback for Tennessee State in the season opener against Jackson State.
Lee is a transfer from Winston-Salem State. In three seasons, Lee threw for 5,616 passing yards, which is second on Winston-Salem State's all-time list, and 55 passing touchdowns, which is the most. He also rushed for 15 touchdowns.
McNair, who transferred from Kansas Wesleyan before the 2025 season, completed 153-of-244 passes for 1,558 yards and nine touchdowns with six interceptions for TSU. He recorded five games with multiple touchdown passes or at least 170 passing yards.
What time does Tennessee State vs. Jackson State start?
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
- Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
- Where: FirstBank Stadium, Vanderbilt
What channel is Tennessee State vs. Jackson State on today?
- Streaming: ESPN+
- How to watch online: Watch ESPN+ (here's how to stream it live)
Watch Tennessee State vs. Jackson State
Tennessee State vs. Gardner-Webb live score
Tennessee State vs. Jackson State prediction
Jackson State 24, Tennessee State 14: TSU's offense, one of the worst in the FCS in 2025, should get a boost from transfer quarterback Daylin Lee, but not enough to outscore JSU's potent attack.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee State football vs. Jackson State live updates: Start time, TV channel
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos