Jackson State head coach T.C. Taylor started his opening statement at SWAC Football Media Day referencing the disappointment of losing in the conference championship game to Prairie View A&M.
It still stings. That loss is an outcome the Tigers want to change in 2026.
Despite another offseason of roster change due to attrition and transfer portal losses — JSU believes they have the pieces among the current group to make another championship run.
“We felt like we did a great job of bringing in some guys to replace a lot of talent that we lost last year,” Taylor said on Tuesday. “Those guys that we brought in have stepped in and they are really talented.”
Taylor said the Tigers’ depth and experience give him confidence heading into the season, but he stressed that success will depend on everything coming together as a team.
JSU brings back Jared Lockhart, who was voted to the preseason All-SWAC team. And back are returnees such as wide receiver Nate Rembert, FCS All-American offensive tackle Quaveon Davis, and SWAC preseason Defensive Player of the Year Kam Sallis.
“I can honestly say I’ve seen it in spring ball. I’ve seen it this summer in both sessions of summer school,” Taylor said. “We got enough older guys that’s been around enough talent to get it done. It’s about all of that coming together as one.”
The Jackson State standard still remains
Taylor pointed to Jackson State’s 2024 championship run as the standard, saying that team succeeded because the talent, coaching and chemistry aligned at the right time. He believes the 2025 group can follow a similar path.
“That’s what we had back in 2024,” Taylor said. “Everything just came together as one.”
Jackson State came close to another title last season, falling just short in a two-point loss that kept the Tigers from winning back-to-back SWAC championships. Taylor said that near miss is still a motivating factor.
“We were right there last year,” he said. “Two points away from getting there last year. Winning a back-to-back SWAC title, and it’s no different this year.”
