After nearly 35 years of participation in the Southern Heritage Classic, Tennessee State is moving on.
Interim university president Dr. Dwayne Tucker explained to Memphis-area TSU alums that the contract offered by SHC founder Fred Jones was not enough money for the Tiger football program to continue playing in the game.
“I think most people understand that TSU has some financial issues,” Tucker told Memphis-based TV station WMC. “Financial issues that we need to walk and correct ourselves, so to play an event where it’s financially not in our best interest; the fee that’s being proposed—it’s just not a good financial return for Tennessee State. But we’d love to come back.”
Jones offered Tennessee State a 5-year, $400,000 contract to continue in the Southern Heritage Classic, which began in 1990. The game was an annual rivalry battle between Tennessee State and Jackson State before JSU pulled out after the 2022 season, citing financial reasons as well. Arkansas-Pine Bluff signed on for two SHC games in 2023 and 2024, and that agreement has expired.
As of the publication of this story, there is no report of any replacements or substitutes for the 2025 Southern Heritage Classic.