Tigers vs. Golden Bears, Texas Southern and UC Berkeley Match Up

Texas Southern University hit the road for a high-profile matchup on Saturday, September 6, traveling west to face the University of California, Berkeley for the first time in program history. The game, held at California Memorial Stadium, marked not only the Tigers’ first meeting with the Golden Bears, but also the first time Cal has faced an HBCU opponent since 2015.

In front of 35,898 fans, the Tigers held their own early in a contest that was much closer than the final score suggests. Cal led just 3–0 until notching its first touchdown with 1:19 left in the first half, before eventually pulling away for a 35–3 victory.

Beyond the scoreboard, the game was a celebration of culture and community.

The event coincided with Cal’s Black Culture Appreciation Day and drew attention not only for the action on the field, but for the halftime performance delivered by Texas Southern University’s renowned marching band, Ocean of Soul. The band was well received by the crowd and showcased the energy and tradition that defines the Texas Southern spirit. 

Despite the outcome, the Tigers showed resilience on the field and the game offered valuable experience for the team, who continue their 2025 campaign under head coach Cris Dishman.

The trip to Berkeley came just one week after Texas Southern’s narrow 22–21 loss to Prairie View A&M in the annual Labor Day Classic. Now, the Tigers will have to focus on next week’s home game against Lamar University, at Shell Energy Stadium — a rematch of last year’s meeting 20-17, where Lamar Cardinals won. Get your tickets.

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Visit Texas Southern Football or follow @tsufootball on Instagram for schedules, ticket info, and updates as the Tigers continue their 2025 campaign.