NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee State freshman running back Brenton Paul is already making his mark in Nashville.
Paul was named the Ohio Valley Conference Football Rookie of the Week on Monday following an impressive collegiate debut against Jackson State in the John Merritt Classic at FirstBank Stadium.
The true freshman accounted for 55 all-purpose yards, rushing nine times for 38 yards while adding two receptions for 17 yards. He also scored his first collegiate touchdown on a nine-yard run late in the first quarter.
Paul’s impact went beyond the stat sheet. He contributed to all three of Tennessee State’s touchdown drives, including a key fourth-quarter possession where he accounted for 22 yards during a 14-play, 75-yard drive that put the Tigers ahead 24-23 with 8:48 remaining.
The honor is particularly notable because the OVC has renamed its Freshman of the Week award Rookie of the Week for the 2026 season. The award remains open to true freshmen as well as certain players previously classified as redshirt freshmen.
Paul becomes the first recipient of the newly renamed OVC Football Rookie of the Week award, giving Tennessee State another early-season accolade following its dramatic season-opening victory.
For a young Tigers running back making his first appearance at the collegiate level, Paul couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.
The future is looking bright in Nashville.
