NASHVILLE, TN (November 7, 2026) – Tennessee State University showed flashes of momentum Saturday afternoon at Nissan Stadium, but a strong second-half surge by Southeast Missouri State proved too much to overcome as the Redhawks defeated the Tigers 33-14. Despite the disappointing result on the field, the afternoon carried special significance as TSU celebrated Salute to Service Night, honoring alumni serving their community and recognizing a major milestone in educational support from the Tennessee Lottery.
The Tigers entered halftime trailing just 3-0 after a defensive battle in the opening two quarters. Tennessee State came out energized in the second half, taking its first lead when quarterback Daylin Lee connected with Aaron Duncan II on a 3-yard touchdown pass to put TSU ahead 7-3 early in the third quarter.
However, Southeast Missouri State quickly shifted the momentum, scoring 21 unanswered points to take a commanding 24-7 advantage entering the fourth quarter. The Tigers continued to fight, with Lee finding Brock Montgomery for a 16-yard touchdown early in the final period to cut the deficit to 24-14. The Redhawks responded with another touchdown and a late field goal to secure the 33-14 victory.
Lee finished the afternoon completing 20 of 36 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. Jerimiah Treadaway provided a spark offensively, rushing for 66 yards on just five carries while adding 63 receiving yards to finish with a team-high 129 all-purpose yards. Anthony Taylor contributed seven receptions for 73 yards, while Montgomery finished with 70 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Tennessee State had several standout performances despite Southeast Missouri State’s success on the ground. Devyn Curtis led the Tigers with 13 tackles, followed by Epoki Fakaosi with 10 and Brendan Hale with eight. Jalen LaBranche recorded an interception deep in TSU territory, while Bryce Gray forced a fumble recovered by Taeshawn Jefferson. Brandon Collins and Jaylon Price each added a sack.
While Tennessee State held the Redhawks to just 58 passing yards, Southeast Missouri State’s rushing attack proved to be the difference, piling up 362 yards on the ground. The loss dropped TSU to 2-8 overall and 0-5 in conference play, while Southeast Missouri State improved to 6-4 and 4-1.
TSU Honors Alumni and Community Heroes During Salute to Service Night
Beyond the action on the field, Tennessee State used the occasion to recognize individuals and organizations making a lasting impact throughout Nashville and across Tennessee.
As part of the Salute to Service Night celebration, TSU honored university alumni currently serving with the Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department, recognizing their commitment to protecting and serving the community. The special acknowledgment highlighted the university’s continued connection to graduates who have dedicated their careers to public safety and service.
The evening also featured recognition of the Tennessee Lottery, celebrating a milestone of $8.5 billion in contributions to education since the beginning of its partnership and support of educational opportunities across the state. The acknowledgment underscored the importance of investing in students and helping create pathways to higher education.
Although the Tigers were unable to come away with a victory, the occasion served as a reminder that Tennessee State’s impact extends well beyond the football field. From recognizing alumni who serve Nashville every day to celebrating investments in education, the event brought together athletics, community pride, and the university’s longstanding tradition of service.
