After the thrilling heights of last season’s national championship run, Jackson State finds itself awash in expectation to repeat in 2025.
Coach T.C. Taylor, whose leadership helped galvanize both the squad and the city’s deep-rooted fan base, now faces a familiar but formidable challenge: sustaining excellence.
“Anytime you finish that kind of run… I’m already thinking about retention,” Taylor explained at SWAC Media Day on Wednesday. “Retention of coaches, retention of players. The layout of college football right now, it’s a business. My goal was to keep as many of those championship guys as possible.”
Key Returners and Team Culture
The Tigers are bolstered by the return of dynamic leaders. Quarterback Jacoby Morgan—“the unquestioned leader of our offense,” as Taylor put it—returns from a unit that averaged 36 points per game. Standout defensive lineman Jeremiah Williams and All-American sophomore Travis Terrell embody the team-first, player-driven culture that Taylor believes sets the program apart.
“The culture was already in place,” said Taylor. “You can maintain and sustain when you retain talent, and we’ve done a good job. Our players believe in me, in their coaches, and in the JSU brand.”
Moving On, Moving Up
With last year’s success in the rear-view, Taylor insists the focus remains on the next goal. “We have to put that behind us. The 2025 schedule is another championship run to be made.”
The Tigers’ recipe remains simple: tackle one objective at a time—East Division title first, then SWAC championship, and finally, a Celebration Bowl berth.
“We can’t be that same team, because everybody’s chasing us now, “said Taylor. They need to see JSU has gone up two or three levels.”
Retention in the NIL Era
Retaining talent is more challenging than ever. Taylor is candid about the temptation and resources of larger programs: “There’s no denying it, those FBS schools play with different bank accounts. They try to come for our best players.” For Jackson State, the strategy is holistic: build lasting relationships, emphasize tradition, and lean on new initiatives. “It’s more than football. When players see you genuinely care, that can mean everything. But these days, a lot comes down to dollar amounts.”
The JSU collective, “KC 1400,” is now instrumental in providing athletes with support and guidance, helping the Tigers remain competitive in the fast-evolving world of college athletics.
As the JSU Tigers prepare to take the field this fall, they carry with them the weight of tradition, the fire of recent triumphs, and the unyielding support of a passionate community.
For Coach Taylor, the mission is simple, if daunting: “Take care of business every week, honor the brand, and keep building our legacy.”
