The Tennessee State men’s basketball team is heading to the 2026 NCAA Tournament after winning the Ohio Valley Conference. In the OVC Tournament, the Tigers defeated UT Martin 68-55 and Morehead State 93-67 in the championship game to clinch the auto-bid.
The Tigers are 23-9 entering the Big Dance and on a 6-game winning streak.
Tennessee State NCAA Tournament Appearances
In 2026, Tennessee State basketball will make its 3rd appearance in the Division I NCAA Tournament.
The Tigers also reached the tourney in 1993 and 1994.
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Tennessee State Basketball NCAA Tournament Wins
Tennessee State has not won a game in the Division I NCAA Tournament, losing to Seton Hall in 1993 and Kentucky in 1994.
The Tigers have a 0-3 overall record in the Big Dance after losing to Iowa State in the 2026 First Round.
Tennessee State Basketball Coach Nolan Smith
Nolan Smith is in his first season as Tennessee State’s head coach.
He most recently spent the 2024-25 season as an assistant coach at the University of Memphis. Smith was also an assistant coach at the University of Louisville from 2022 to 2024 after spending six seasons on the Duke coaching staff.
Smith played college ball at Duke under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski from 2007 to 2011, helping the Blue Devils to the 2010 national championship.
As a senior in 2011, Smith led the ACC in scoring (20.6 PPG) and was named the ACC Player of the Year. Smith was then selected by Portland with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. He played two seasons in the NBA before playing in the NBA G League and overseas.
