Starkville MS, September 26, 2025
News Summary
During a recent Salute to Service event at Davis Wade Stadium, Zakari Tillman, a linebacker for Mississippi State University (MSU), celebrated his mother, LaTonia Tillman’s, 21 years of military service in the Air Force. LaTonia was recognized for her remarkable achievements, which include multiple awards like the Meritorious Service Medal. Zakari shared that his mother is his daily inspiration, and their emotional moment on the field captured the importance of family legacy. MSU’s football team is gearing up for an upcoming game against No. 15 Tennessee, with LaTonia planning to support her son from the stands.
Starkville, Mississippi
Zakari Tillman, a linebacker for Mississippi State University (MSU), celebrated his mother’s military achievements during a recent Salute to Service event at Davis Wade Stadium. His mother, LaTonia Tillman, was recognized for her impressive 21 years of service in the Air Force as a technical sergeant.
During her military career, LaTonia Tillman ensured mission readiness and security both domestically and internationally. She was awarded numerous honors, which include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Outstanding Unit Award, the Longevity Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Zakari expressed that his mother serves as his daily source of inspiration and support, particularly through the challenges he encounters as a college athlete. Their heartfelt moment on the field, where he embraced LaTonia following the acknowledgment of her service, created a lasting memory for both.
LaTonia noted that being honored in front of an audience was a genuinely rewarding experience and stressed the essential role of family and legacy in her life. Zakari also remarked on how he believes he inherited many emotional traits and values from his mother, including loyalty and teammate support.
The Mississippi State defense currently ranks 16th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing an average of 11.8 points per game as of September 2025. Zakari is now a junior and has participated in 27 games, having led the Bulldogs in sacks during the previous season.
Looking ahead, the MSU football team is set to face No. 15 Tennessee on September 27, 2025. This upcoming game will feature special uniforms, with Tennessee in orange and MSU in all-white. Tennessee’s injury report includes key players such as tight end Ethan Davis and defensive end Mariyon Dye, who are both listed as questionable for the matchup.
In preparation for the game against Tennessee, Zakari emphasized the need for high levels of execution and physicality. LaTonia plans to be present at the game, continuing her support for Zakari after her recent recognition.
Additional Context
As a tribute to veterans and military families, Salute to Service events have become common across sports platforms, allowing communities to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by service members and their families. Esta event served as an important reminder of the contributions made by individuals in the armed forces, as well as an opportunity for family members to publicly celebrate their legacies.
FAQ
Who is Zakari Tillman?
Zakari Tillman is a linebacker for Mississippi State University (MSU).
What event honored LaTonia Tillman?
LaTonia Tillman was honored during a Salute to Service event at Davis Wade Stadium.
How long did LaTonia Tillman serve in the military?
LaTonia Tillman served for 21 years in the Air Force as a technical sergeant.
What notable awards did LaTonia Tillman receive?
LaTonia received numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Outstanding Unit Award, and more.
What is the ranking of the Mississippi State defense?
The Mississippi State defense is currently ranked 16th in the nation in scoring defense.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Zakari Tillman |
| Mother | LaTonia Tillman |
| Military Service | 21 years in the Air Force |
| Awards | Meritorious Service Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, among others |
| MSU Defense Ranking | 16th in the nation |
| Upcoming Game | Against No. 15 Tennessee on September 27, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Tennessee Uniforms Against Mississippi State
- Rocky Top Insider: Tennessee Football Availability Report
- Hail State: SEC Announces Conference Football Opponents
- New York Times: SEC 2026-2029 Football Opponents Highlights
- AL.com: Kalen Deboer’s Impact on Alabama-LSU Game
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
