MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin football team is set to begin its Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) season with a matchup against in-state rival Tennessee State on Saturday, October 10. The game will take place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m., and it will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
After a challenging non-conference schedule, the Skyhawks (1-4) are eager to shift their focus to league play, where they have historically performed well. The team has an impressive 12-5 record following bye weeks since 2006, including an 11-3 mark against conference opponents. The recent bye came as the squad looks to reset after a demanding four-game road stretch.
In the past five seasons, UT Martin has achieved notable success, claiming four conference championships and maintaining a 27-6 record against OVC rivals. The team has excelled in games against in-state FCS opponents, holding a record of 26-9 since 2014.
Saturday’s game is particularly significant as it marks the inaugural head-to-head contest in the 20th annual Sgt. York Trophy Series. Originally established in 2007 for four competing teams, the trophy will now be contested between just UT Martin and Tennessee State. The Skyhawks have won the trophy 11 times and hold a 38-15 series record. They aim to reclaim the trophy, which they last won in 2023.
UT Martin head coach Jason Simpson is approaching a milestone with 99 career victories and is poised to become only the third coach in OVC history to reach 100 wins against league opponents. He has enjoyed a successful record against the Tigers, with a 13-6 outcome in their previous encounters.
Tennessee State (1-4, 0-1 OVC) will be returning home for the first time this season after enduring a four-game road trip. The Tigers are seeking their first conference win since 2024 after losing to Western Illinois 28-21 in their most recent outing. Under second-year head coach Reggie Barlow, Tennessee State aims to reverse its slow start and establish momentum in the conference.
This matchup will be the 36th meeting between the two teams, with UT Martin currently leading the series 18-17. The Skyhawks have won the last five encounters, including a 26-7 victory during their last meeting in Martin.
Fans can listen locally to the Skyhawk Sports Network, where Davis Gregory will provide play-by-play commentary alongside analyst Chuck Hammer. Broadcasts will be available on various frequencies, including 1410 AM and multiple FM stations, with additional live stats accessible on the official website.
