ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The defending HBCU national champion South Carolina State Bulldogs open the 2026 football season Saturday when they welcome Savannah State to Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on Willie E. Jeffries Field.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., with the contest televised live on ESPN+.

GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: Savannah State at No. 24 South Carolina State
Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
Site: Oliver C. Dawson Stadium | Willie E. Jeffries Field
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina
Television: ESPN+
SC State 2025 Record: 10-3 overall, 5-0 MEAC
Savannah State 2025 Record: 4-6 overall, 3-5 SIAC
2025 Meeting: SC State 49, Savannah State 6
SC State Head Coach: Chennis Berry, third season
Savannah State Head Coach: Thomas Howard, first season

South Carolina State enters its third season under head coach Chennis Berry looking to build on a memorable 2025 campaign that ended with the Bulldogs capturing their second consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship and the HBCU national championship.

SC State finished last season 10-3 overall and a perfect 5-0 in MEAC play, closing the year with eight consecutive victories. The Bulldogs capped their championship run with a dramatic 40-38 four-overtime victory over Prairie View A&M in the Cricket Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Bulldogs overcame a 21-0 deficit in the Celebration Bowl before completing one of the biggest comebacks in the game's history. Quarterback Ryan Stubblefield came off the bench and accounted for three touchdowns, throwing for 234 yards and two scores while adding a rushing touchdown to earn offensive MVP honors.

SC State enters the new season ranked No. 24 nationally and has captured back-to-back MEAC championships under Berry. The Bulldogs will attempt to continue that success behind a veteran group that helped an offense average 415.9 yards per game last season. SC State also produced 31 sacks defensively in 2025.

TIGERS BEGIN NEW ERA
Savannah State enters Saturday's opener under first-year head coach Thomas Howard, who takes over a Tigers program that finished 4-6 overall and 3-5 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play in 2025.

Despite its record, Savannah State played several opponents close during the 2025 campaign. The Tigers earned victories over Miles, Allen and Morehouse while dropping narrow decisions to Fort Valley State, Albany State and Benedict.

Savannah State defeated Miles 45-19, Allen 23-20 and Morehouse 24-16. The Tigers lost 7-0 to Fort Valley State, 21-18 to Albany State and 16-13 to Benedict.

Wide receiver Cinsere Clark returns as one of Savannah State's top offensive threats after leading the Tigers with 50 receptions for 641 yards and four touchdowns last season.

Defensively, Savannah State showed the ability to keep games within reach throughout last season. The Tigers allowed 21 points or fewer in seven of their 10 games and held Shorter scoreless while limiting Fort Valley State to seven points.

FAMILIAR FOES
Saturday's contest will mark the second consecutive season the Bulldogs and Tigers have met in Orangeburg.

SC State posted a 49-6 victory over Savannah State last season, finishing with a 414-206 advantage in total offense. The Bulldogs passed for 368 yards and five touchdowns, while their defense limited the Tigers to 41 rushing yards.

SC State also forced two interceptions, including a 91-yard interception return for a touchdown by Charles Arnold Jr.

The Bulldogs will look to continue their recent success at home while beginning their pursuit of a third consecutive MEAC championship and another trip to the Celebration Bowl.

Saturday's game is also Hall of Fame Day and Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day, with SC State calling for a White Out inside Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear white.

SC State's opener is the first of seven scheduled national television appearances for the Bulldogs during the 2026 season. Following Saturday's matchup, South Carolina State travels to Miami Gardens, Florida, to face Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 3 p.m. on ESPN.