Daylin Lee didn’t get the win in his Division I debut. But he definitely proved he can play at a higher level.
The Tennessee State senior quarterback nearly led the Tigers to a stunning upset over Jackson State in the 2026 HBCU football season opener.
Jackson State entered the matchup as one of the SWAC’s top teams and a popular pick to compete for the conference championship. Tennessee State, however, had the Tigers on the ropes late in the game.
The former Winston-Salem State quarterback helped put his team in position to steal the win.
Then, a botched snap on the potential game-winning field goal allowed Jackson State to escape.
For Lee, though, the loss wasn’t about one final play.
“Sucks to come up short like that at the end of the game,” Lee said after the game. “But I feel like we made plays throughout the game. I feel like that last play didn’t cost us the game.”
That mindset could be one of the biggest takeaways from Lee’s debut.
From Division II Standout to HBCU Football Watch List
Lee entered Tennessee State after spending three seasons at Winston-Salem State.
Lee served as WSSU’s starting quarterback from his first game. He finished his Division II career with more than 5,500 passing yards and 55 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the more productive quarterbacks at the level.
The move to Tennessee State gave Lee an opportunity to prove that his production could translate to Division I. Against Jackson State, he looked comfortable.
Lee finished with nearly 265 passing yards and a touchdown, while making several explosive plays that kept Tennessee State within striking distance.
The quarterback also showed patience during the game’s final possession.Lee explained that he was focused on protecting the football and giving his team an opportunity to win.
“I didn’t want to put the ball in harm’s way,” Lee said. “I knew we had a chance to put points on the board regardless.”
That final drive ultimately ended without points. But Lee believes there was plenty to build on.
Tennessee State’s Offense Has Taken a Step
One of Lee’s biggest observations after the game was how much Tennessee State’s offense has improved. He pointed to the team’s progress from the spring through the season opener.
“It’s definitely been a big, big improvement,” Lee said. “Spring Day 1, it was shaky, but we just kept getting better day by day.”
That improvement was visible against Jackson State. Tennessee State showed the ability to create explosive plays while also putting together long drives. Lee said the offense’s goal is simple: take what the defense gives them.
That balanced approach could become important as the season progresses. Lee also acknowledged that the offense wasn’t perfect.
He admitted there were throws he wishes he could have back and emphasized the importance of “stacking plays” instead of becoming sporadic.
The Loss Could Still Create Momentum
Tennessee State won’t be celebrating the result. But there is a difference between losing a close game and getting dominated. The Tigers went toe-to-toe with one of the SWAC’s biggest contenders and had a chance to win in the final seconds.
Lee believes the team can use the experience as momentum.
“We’re going to watch that and see, and then try to break our next opponent down,” Lee said. “Just try to improve on the mistakes we did and keep building on some of the positive plays we had.”
Tennessee State may have walked away without the upset. But Lee’s Division I debut delivered a message. He will get a chance to go up another level when TSU faces UGA this week.
The former Winston-Salem State standout didn’t look out of place against Jackson State. If he continues producing at this level, Daylin Lee could quickly become one of the most intriguing names to watch in HBCU football this season.