Entering the 2025 season, the Clark Atlanta Panthers’ football team dipped into SWAC waters in their bid for a run to the SIAC championship.
Former Jackson State quarterback Zy McDonald announced he is committing to play for the Panthers in his final year of eligibility.
Transferring to Jackson State from the University of Louisiana, McDonald played two seasons with the Tigers in a backup role. He tallieded 324 passing yards, 266 rushing yards, and seven total touchdowns in 12 games.
He was instrumental in Jackson State’s SWAC championship win over Southern, filling in for starter Jacobian Morgan after he went down with an injury in the second quarter.
McDonald completed 6-of-11 pass attempts for 75 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 95 yards on eight attempts, including a 27-yard touchdown run.
Jackson State then went on to claim its first Celebration Bowl championship, following a 28-7 win over MEAC champion South Carolina State.
After compiling a 5-35 record over the previous four seasons, Clark Atlanta had a turnaround season for the ages in its first season under head coach Teddy Keaton.
They finished the regular season with a 7-2-1 record, advancing to the SIAC championship game for the first time in over 30 years.
McDonald could be in line for the Panthers’ starting role as reigning SIAC Player of the Year David Wright III’s status with the team is currently unknown.
