NORMAL — It’s not exactly “Auld Lang Syne,” but Alabama A&M and Tennessee State will be renewing their old acquaintances on the football field.
The four-game “Legacy Series” will kick off Sept. 13 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Alabama A&M announced. The agreement will see the Bullddogs and Tigers alternate hosting duties over the following three years, with two games played at Louis Crews Stadium (2026 and 2028) and one more played at Nissan Stadium (2027).
“The renewal of this historic rivalry between Alabama A&M and Tennessee State is a momentous occasion for both programs, our alumni, and HBCU football as a whole,” Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A Bryant said. ” The ‘Legacy Series’ not only brings back a classic matchup with deep roots in tradition but also provides an incredible platform to showcase the excellence of our student-athletes, our universities, and our passionate fan bases.
“Playing on a national stage like Nissan Stadium, along with home-and-home matchups, reinforces our commitment to elevating the game day experience and celebrating the rich history of HBCU football. We look forward to reigniting this storied rivalry and creating lasting memories for years to come.”
The “Legacy Series” pays tribute to the rich heritage and traditions of Tennessee State and Alabama A&M, two prominent historically Black colleges and universities. The series will honor the golden era of HBCU football while celebrating the lasting impact of these institutions on the sport and culture. It aims to showcase the athletic excellence and the academic and cultural achievements of both schools.
The Bulldogs and Tigers share a storied rivalry, with Tennessee State leading the all-time series, 21-8, since their first meeting in 1930. The two programs have not met since 2010, with Tennessee State claiming the 27-14 victory. Although the opening game of the series is not part of the John Merritt Classic, the teams have a history of competing in classic events, with Alabama A&M holding a 4-3 advantage in the JMC.
Games between Alabama A&M and Tennessee State have consistently drawn large crowds at Nissan Stadium, including a fifth-largest attendance of 25,342 on Sept. 3, 2005. Other notable crowds include 25,117, 23,871, 23,440, and 22,607 at previous matchups.
Both programs enter the series with momentum. Alabama A&M finished the 2024 season with a 6-6 record, earning wins over common TSU opponents Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Mississippi Valley State.
Alabama A&M enters the Sam Shade era, after being named head football coach in early January. Shade brings an incredible resume to The Hill, with a 39-21 overall record, including 17-6 over the past two years at Miles College where he guided the Golden Bears to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championship last year.
The opening game at Nissan Stadium promises an electrifying atmosphere and high-level competition. Ticket sales and broadcast details for the 2025 season will be announced later.
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