MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — It was a Homecoming 2026 to remember at Middle Tennessee State University last weekend as the Blue Raiders defeated longtime rival Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers 51-42 in Floyd Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The Blue Raiders’ hard-fought, nail-biting victory — the first in seven years over its “100 Miles of Hate” rival that wasn’t secured until the final seconds — marked the high point of a beautiful, sunny Saturday celebrating MTSU’s school spirit and welcoming alumni back to campus.

“Homecoming is about so much more than celebrating our university. It is about building community and continuing traditions that bring us together,” said Kennedy Garrett, president of the Student Government Association.

“One of my biggest priorities is ensuring we are intentional about creating spaces and experiences where every student feels welcomed and included … Homecoming gives us the opportunity to do just that by bringing together students from different backgrounds, organizations and experiences to celebrate something we all share: being True Blue.”

MTSU’sAlumni Association and Student Government Association planned a full week of True Blue revelry under the outdoors-inspired theme “Meet Me at Camp Blue,” featuring highlights like Paint the Halls Blue, Camp Blue Bash, Lightning’s Campfire Cookoff, Horseshoe Pursuit and culminating in the annual Homecoming Parade, tailgating tradition “Party in the Grove,’ halftime Homecoming court, and so much more.

Check out parade highlights below:

Golden Raiders, Distinguished Alumni

The Golden Raiders welcomed the class of 1976 into their ranks Friday, Nov. 6, at a luncheon at MT Center inside the Sam Ingram Building. The luncheon, attended by more than 70, saw 22 new members inducted into the organization.

“It was a great reunion for our Golden Raiders,” said Ginger Freeman, Alumni Relations director at MTSU. The group visited the newly renovated Kirksey Old Main and Rutledge Hall buildings, “to reminisce about the past and see what our students see today,” said Freeman.

Later the same day, the annual Alumni Association Awards recognized seven alumni for their outstanding contributions.

The association’s top honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award, went to class of 2004 graduate L. Kasimu Harris of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Young Alumni Achievement Award was presented to class of 2013’s Jonathan Radford of Brookhaven, Georgia. Jeff Gibson of Murfreesboro (‘93), Katie Clary of Conway, South Carolina (2013), Mary Esther Reed of Smyrna (‘92, ‘94 and 96), Tosha Price of Murfreesboro (2012), and Ret. Col. Alan Clark of Estill Springs (‘75) were each awarded True Blue Citations of Distinction.

Parade, Party in the Grove

“The Alumni House welcomed hundreds to Mixer on Middle for bounce houses, commemorative photos and grilled cheese from the Electric Griddle, Middle Tennessee Electric’s mobile food trailer,” said Freeman, who sees folks return year after year for these favorite traditions.

A whopping 102 groups and floats, including the Band of Blue, MTSU Dance and Cheer Teams and even mascot Lightning, paraded down streets lined with fans from East Main Street to Middle Tennessee Boulevard.

This year’s Homecoming tailgate, “Party in the Grove,” featured independent singer-songwriter Grace Leer, whose time on the television show “American Idol” launched her into the spotlight. Her performance was bookended by Raider Walk and the Follow Me to Floyd march.

Homecoming Court

At halftime, seniors Luis Esmurria III and Aviana Lott were crowned homecoming king and queen by President Sidney A. McPhee.

Esmurria, an accounting major with a double minor in business administration and university honors, hails from Clarksville, while Lott, a political science major on the pre-law track with a minor in women and gender studies, moved to Murfreesboro from Memphis.

Other members of the court included Kadence Coleman, Patrick Crabtree and Kaleb Hollings, as well as Allison Byrom, Madison Couey, Alaya Fuqua and Lindsey Mata.

Blue Raider Hall of Fame

Six alumni were inducted into the Blue Raider Hall of Fame in a Nov. 6 ceremony. John Ampomah competed on the track team as a javelin thrower from 2014 to 2016; Paige (Goeglein) Davis played soccer from 2009 to 2012; Izabela Kozon played volleyball from 2007 to 2010; Clint Marks played football from 2003 to 2006; Ken Riley played basketball from 1968 to 1971; and Whit Turnbow played golf from 1996 to 2000.

— Cat Curtis Murphy ([email protected])