Tennessee Volunteers Set to Host In-State Foe Tennessee State in 2027, Marking First-Ever Meeting Between the Two Programs
In a move that blends history, regional pride, and strategic scheduling, the University of Tennessee has officially announced it will host Tennessee State University during the 2027 college football season. The game, slated to be played at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, will mark the first-ever matchup between the Volunteers and the Tigers on the gridiron, making it a historic and highly anticipated event for fans, alumni, and players across the state.
Tennessee’s decision to schedule an in-state FCS opponent like Tennessee State is notable for several reasons, starting with the symbolic significance. Despite sharing the same state and a rich football tradition, the two programs have never faced off in their long histories. Tennessee, a perennial powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference with national championship aspirations, has rarely faced HBCUs or in-state FCS programs during the modern era. The addition of Tennessee State to the schedule represents not just a scheduling move, but a nod to the broader football culture within the state and an acknowledgment of the legacy programs like TSU have built over decades.
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State boasts a proud football tradition, having produced dozens of NFL players and a number of legendary names, including Pro Football Hall of Famers Richard Dent and Claude Humphrey. As one of the most historically successful HBCU football programs in the country, TSU has been a mainstay in the Ohio Valley Conference (and more recently the Big South–OVC Football Association), consistently fielding competitive teams and drawing strong fan support from Nashville and beyond. While the Tigers operate at the FCS level, their tradition and talent are widely respected.
For Tennessee, this matchup provides an opportunity to continue building strong in-state ties and showcase its willingness to engage with all corners of the college football landscape. Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have embraced a philosophy that blends modern offensive explosiveness with a deep respect for the game’s traditions. Hosting Tennessee State in Neyland Stadium—one of the most iconic venues in all of college football—is a moment that will resonate beyond the final score. It’s a cultural exchange as much as a competitive contest.
The 2027 matchup will likely carry added weight due to the broader historical and social context. Tennessee State will become the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to play a football game in Neyland Stadium. This symbolic milestone reflects the growing national emphasis on inclusivity, respect for HBCU athletics, and creating opportunities for programs that have long been overshadowed by their FBS counterparts. In recent years, there has been a growing movement within college athletics to give HBCUs greater visibility, whether through nationally televised games, marquee non-conference matchups, or increased investments in facilities and coaching.
From Tennessee State’s perspective, this game represents more than a payout and a date with a Power Five opponent. It offers an invaluable platform for recruiting, exposure, and player development. Playing in front of 100,000 fans in one of the most storied stadiums in college football provides a unique experience for the Tigers’ roster—one that can serve as both a motivator and a measuring stick. Head coach Eddie George, a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL All-Pro, has worked diligently to elevate the profile of TSU’s football program. He has emphasized not only competitiveness on the field but also academic achievement, discipline, and leadership off of it. A game against Tennessee is a significant benchmark in that journey.
For the Volunteers, the game also fits into a long-term scheduling strategy that balances competitive preparation with logistical and financial considerations. While Tennessee will continue to pursue marquee matchups with other Power Five programs and maintain a rigorous SEC schedule, games against in-state FCS opponents provide an opportunity to fine-tune execution, build depth, and provide developmental reps for younger players. It’s a strategic approach to roster management and program sustainability—giving backups and underclassmen live-game experience in front of a home crowd without the pressure of a conference showdown.
Fans can also expect a vibrant atmosphere surrounding the game. The Tennessee State Aristocrat of Bands, one of the most celebrated HBCU marching bands in the country, is sure to bring an unforgettable performance to Knoxville. In recent years, the intersection of HBCU culture and mainstream college football has drawn growing interest, particularly in games that feature elite band performances, step shows, and culturally rich fan traditions. The gameday experience for this matchup will likely extend far beyond the gridiron, with celebrations of heritage, community, and state pride throughout the weekend.
Financially, the matchup is mutually beneficial. Tennessee State will receive a substantial game check, which can be reinvested into its athletic programs, facilities, and scholarships. These types of games are essential for the financial sustainability of FCS and HBCU athletic departments. For Tennessee, the game is an opportunity to support an in-state institution while also filling Neyland Stadium with tens of thousands of fans, generating strong ticket and merchandise revenue for what is expected to be a celebratory day.
The game may also have a ripple effect beyond 2027. Other Power Five programs have taken steps to schedule HBCUs or other in-state FCS schools to foster goodwill, support local economies, and celebrate diversity within college athletics. Tennessee’s willingness to host Tennessee State could inspire other SEC programs to consider similar partnerships, especially as the college football landscape becomes more inclusive and community-focused. These matchups may not always be competitive on the scoreboard, but their value in terms of outreach, representation, and unity cannot be overstated.
There is also the matter of recruiting. In-state matchups allow Tennessee to showcase its program to prospects from all over the state, including the greater Nashville area, where Tennessee State is located. Hosting TSU allows Heupel and his staff to deepen their recruiting footprint while also reinforcing the Volunteers’ status as the flagship program in the state. By engaging with other Tennessee-based programs, the Vols continue to demonstrate that they are invested in the development of football at every level within the state’s borders.
As the 2027 season approaches, excitement will undoubtedly build around the historic nature of this game. Fans from both schools will circle the date as a unique and meaningful opportunity to witness something never before seen in Tennessee football history. Though the Vols will enter the game as heavy favorites, the significance of the matchup lies in what it represents rather than the scoreboard. It’s about opportunity, visibility, tradition, and progress.
By the time the two teams meet at Neyland, both programs will have likely undergone further evolution. Tennessee could very well be in the middle of another push toward SEC and national prominence, led by a new wave of talent recruited under Heupel’s high-octane system. Tennessee State, under Eddie George or his eventual successor, may be continuing to climb the ranks in the FCS world, leveraging moments like this to attract top-tier athletes and national attention.
What remains constant is the importance of the moment. This first-ever meeting between Tennessee and Tennessee State is a powerful reminder of how college football, at its best, brings people together. It celebrates community, uplifts tradition, and honors the contributions of institutions that have long played essential roles in shaping the American athletic landscape. Whether you’re a lifelong Vols fan or a proud Tennessee State supporter, this game offers something more than a win or loss—it offers a shared moment in time that highlights what makes football in the Volunteer State so special.
As more details emerge in the years leading up to the game—whether through confirmed kickoff times, television broadcasts, or surrounding events—expect anticipation to continue growing. It may be just one game in a long season, but its impact could be felt well beyond a single Saturday. For the players who take the field, the fans who fill the stands, and the communities they represent, the Tennessee vs. Tennessee State matchup in 2027 is already shaping up to be a meaningful chapter in the ongoing story of college football in the South.
