NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The excitement is building at Tennessee State University as the Big Blue family prepares for the 2025 Homecoming celebration, set for Oct. 12–18. Under the theme “Forever True, Forever TSU,” this year’s festivities will honor notable alumni, celebrate community, and showcase the enduring spirit that defines the TSU experience.

Adding to the excitement, TSU is partnering with SiriusXM and Pandora, who will bring their annual HBCU Pop Out celebration to campus. The show will feature a Grammy-nominated rap icon, who will take the stage on Oct. 17 at the pep rally alongside TSU’s Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands.

At the core of Homecoming is the celebration of alumni, whose achievements and contributions embody the university’s legacy. This year, TSU will spotlight a distinguished group of honorees and grand marshals, including posthumous recognition for Anthony McClain, ’97, an esteemed U.S. Air Force veteran and former commander of the Metro Nashville Police Department North Precinct. McClain is remembered for his service and dedication to the Nashville community and the TSU family. 

Joining him as grand marshals are Frank Pillow, Sr., ’67, a former Tiger football player, and Ted “The Hound Dog” McClain, ’71, a member of the TSU Sports Hall of Fame and veteran of ABA/NBA. This year’s honorees include Don Hardin, ’90, founder and CEO of Don Hardin Group; Dr. Katie Kinnard White, ’52, a retired educator whose influence has shaped generations; Dwight L. Beard, ’74, founder of Beard Property Maintenance; and Kevin W. Williams, ’83, president and CEO of GAA Manufacturing Global. 

“We’re excited to welcome our alumni back to their home,” said Jerome Oglesby, chair of the Homecoming Organizing Committee. “Homecoming is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community, our heritage, and the unbreakable bonds that hold us together. It’s a time for joy, connection, and remembrance.”

Kicking off the festivities on Oct. 12 will be the Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest, and the Gospel Explosion, featuring nationally recognized choir Patrick Riddick & D’vyne Worship, along with TSU’s award-winning New Direction Gospel Choir.

The highlight will be the much-anticipated football game on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Nissan Stadium, where the Big Blue Tigers will face off against the Bisons of Howard University at 4:30 p.m. This exciting matchup will follow the colorful Homecoming Parade along Jefferson Street that morning, commencing from 14th and Jefferson Streets to 33rd and John Merritt Boulevard.

Homecoming week also includes some of TSU’s most cherished traditions: the Coronation of Mr. and Miss TSU on Oct. 15, the President’s Society and Legacy Luncheon on Oct. 16, and the Charles A. Campbell 54th Annual Fish Fry on Oct. 17. That Friday evening, the celebration continues with the official Homecoming Concert, featuring performances by Rob49, YK Niece, Bunna B, and Baby Chief Do It.

This year’s Dr. Levi Watkins White Coat Ceremony on Oct. 16 will honor future medical professionals with a keynote address by Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, president of Meharry Medical College. 

With a rich heritage steeped in excellence and community pride, TSU’s 2025 Homecoming promises to be an unforgettable celebration of legacy, unity, and Tiger spirit.

For more information, updates, and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.tigerhomecoming.com/events.

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.