Defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Tennessee State will take its talents to the national stage this December after being selected to compete in the third annual Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic.
The two-day showcase will be held December 4-5, 2026, at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., marking the first time the event has been hosted in the nation’s capital. Organized by the Chris Paul Family Foundation in partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the event celebrates the excellence, culture, and legacy of HBCU basketball while providing student-athletes with a national platform to showcase their talents.
Tennessee State opens the event on Friday, Dec. 4, against Grambling State before returning to the court on Saturday, Dec. 5, to face Florida A&M. Game times, television information, ticket sales, and credential details will be announced at a later date.
The Tigers’ invitation comes after a memorable 2025-26 campaign in which Tennessee State captured the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship and earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994. Under head coach Nolan Smith, the Tigers enter the 2026-27 season with expectations of once again competing for conference and postseason success.
The 2026 Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic features a strong field of HBCU programs from both the Division I and Division II ranks. Alongside Tennessee State, Division I participants include Florida A&M, Grambling State, Hampton, and Howard, while Winston-Salem State, Clark Atlanta, Virginia State, and West Virginia State represent the Division II field.
With national exposure, premier competition, and one of HBCU basketball’s signature events on the calendar, the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic gives the Tigers another opportunity to showcase their program before a national audience as they prepare for another run through the OVC.
