TSSAA Showdown: How to Watch Baylor vs Brentwood Academy Live
How to Watch Baylor vs. Brentwood Academy: The Big TSSAA Football Season Opener
Updated: August 20, 2026 | Game Time: 7:00 PM CT | Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Why This Game Is a Huge Deal
Imagine the Super Bowl, but for high school football in Tennessee. That’s what happens Thursday, August 20 when Baylor School hosts Brentwood Academy to kick off the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) football season.
The Backstory: A Championship Rematch
- Last December, these same two teams played for the Division II-AAA state championship in Chattanooga.
- Baylor won a thriller, 28–24.
- Now they meet again in Week 1—and the whole country can watch on ESPN2.
How to Watch: TV & Streaming Options
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Channel | ESPN2 |
| Streaming (Free with TV login) | ESPN App (WatchESPN) |
| Streaming (No cable? Try this) | Fubo — includes ESPN2, free trial available |
Pro Tip: If you have a cable/satellite login, use the ESPN App on your phone, tablet, Roku, Fire TV, or smart TV. No cable? Fubo lets you stream live TV over the internet—like Netflix, but for sports.
Meet the Superstars: Future NFL Talent on the Field
This game isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s a showcase for college football’s next big names.
| Player | School | Position | Why He’s Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Gabriel Georges | Baylor | Running Back (RB) | 5-star recruit • Top RB in 2027 class • Committed to Tennessee Vols |
| Kesean Bowman | Brentwood Academy | Wide Receiver (WR) | #1 in Tennessean’s "Dandy Dozen" • Top-100 national prospect • Tennessee Vols commit • Eagles’ offensive leader |
ELI5: These guys are like LeBron James in high school—everyone knows they’re going to be stars. Both already picked University of Tennessee!
Expert Predictions: Who Wins?
Three Tennessean sports writers gave their score picks:
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Tom Kreager | Baylor 38, Brentwood Academy 21 |
| Tyler Palmateer | Baylor 31, Brentwood Academy 28 |
| George Robinson | Baylor 35, Brentwood Academy 24 |
Consensus: All three pick Baylor—but two think it’ll be close. Expect fireworks!
Want More Week 1 Action?
- See all Week 1 TSSAA picks & schedule
- All 9 state championship predictions for 2026
- Nashville Area Super 25 Rankings
Quick Checklist: Be Ready for Kickoff
- Mark your calendar: Thursday, Aug. 20 • 7:00 PM CT
- Pick your screen: TV (ESPN2) → ESPN App → or Fubo (free trial)
- Grab snacks: This one goes down to the wire!
- Follow live: Check @tennessean on X/Twitter for updates
Important Points to Remember
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- This is the GAME OF THE WEEK—nationally televised on ESPN2.
- Rematch of last year’s state final (Baylor won 28–24).
- Two Tennessee Vols commits headline the rosters: David Gabriel Georges (Baylor) & Kesean Bowman (Brentwood Academy).
- All experts pick Baylor, but two say it’ll be tight.
- Stream free via ESPN App (with TV login) or try Fubo (no cable needed).
Summary
Baylor vs. Brentwood Academy isn’t just a high school football game—it’s the season opener for Tennessee’s top division, a rematch of last year’s epic state championship, and a showcase for two future SEC stars. Tune in Thursday at 7 PM CT on ESPN2 (or stream via ESPN App/Fubo) to see if Baylor repeats or Brentwood Academy gets revenge. Either way, you’re watching future college—and maybe NFL—legends play under the lights in Chattanooga.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What time does the game start?
7:00 PM Central Time on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
2. What channel is it on?
ESPN2 — available on most cable, satellite, and streaming TV packages.
3. Can I watch without cable?
Yes! Two easy ways:
- ESPN App — free if you log in with a TV provider (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Spectrum, etc.)
- Fubo — streaming service with a free trial; includes ESPN2.
4. Why is this game nationally televised?
It’s a rematch of the 2025 Division II-AAA state championship (Baylor won 28–24) and features two elite Tennessee Vols commits: 5-star RB David Gabriel Georges (Baylor) and top-100 WR Kesean Bowman (Brentwood Academy).
5. Who is favored to win?
All three Tennessean experts pick Baylor, but scores range from a 17-point blowout (38–21) to a 3-point nail-biter (31–28). Expect a close, high-energy game!