The stage is set in the capital of Mississippi, where two of the SWAC’s best collide for the conference crown.
When Jackson State and Prairie View meet Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium, it’ll be a true strength-on-strength showdown — Prairie View’s high-powered offense against Jackson State’s stingy defense.
The SWAC Championship Game marks the first meeting between the programs since 2021, when the Tigers defeated the Panthers 27-10 in the title game.
First-year head coach Tremaine Jackson has quickly reshaped Prairie View A&M into a contender again after leading Division II Valdosta State to the national championship round.
The 2025 SWAC Coach of the Year guided the Panthers to their first nine-win season since 2015 and their third trip to the title game in five years.
Across the field, Jackson State’s T.C. Taylor continues to deliver results. A year after guiding the Tigers to a Black National Championship, he has JSU back on the brink again, with an eye on the program’s 15th all-time conference title and first back-to-back wins since 2021 and 2022.
The winner advances to face South Carolina State in the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Dec. 14 in Atlanta. For Jackson State, a victory would mean joining North Carolina A&T with a record four Celebration Bowl appearances.
For Prairie View, it would mark the school’s first-ever trip to the HBCU national championship game.
Prairie View’s offense has found its rhythm
Prairie View’s offense has been on a late-season tear. Since losing 31-28 to Alabama State in Week 10, the Panthers have averaged more than 54 points per game. Quarterback Cameron Peters, who Jackson said is still searching for consistency, has thrown for 2,438 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also has rushed for 365 yards and three TDs.
Though the Panthers lead the SWAC in passing offense, their rushing attack has arguably been the catalyst for the offensive surge.
Running backs Chase Bingmon (857 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Lamagea McDowell (477 yards, 8 touchdowns) power a rushing attack that is third in the SWAC at 202.3 yards per game.
That versatility will be tested against a suffocating Jackson State defense. SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Quincy Ivory headlines a front seven that’s given up just 110 rushing yards per game and nine rushing touchdowns all season. Linebackers Reid Pulliam and Ashton Taylor anchor a defense that makes attacking JSU on the ground difficult.
Jackson State has pounded opponents on the ground
The Tigers bring a balanced offense that averages nearly 34 points per game, led by SWAC-leading rusher Ahmad Miller, who has eclipsed 1,000 yards. He is joined in a strong backfield by Donerio Davenport and Travis Terrell Jr. In a single game this year, all three backs rushed for 100 yards.
Since incumbent starting quarterback JaCobian Morgan has missed the last five games due to injury, true freshman Quarterback Jared Lockhart has filled in nicely. He’s thrown 10 TDs and only two interceptions in six starts this season. It is unclear whether Morgan will be a go come Saturday, though he has participated in practice and will likely be a game-time decision.
The Tigers do have depth at wide receiver in Nate Rembert, Jameel Gardner Jr. and Ja’Naylon Dupree, who all rank in the Top 12 in total yards and touchdowns.
Prairie View counters with one of the nation’s best defensive units, ranked fourth in the FCS in scoring defense. Linebackers Kennedy Parker and Darrell Starling give the Panthers a core that can be formidable.
And the winner is …
Prediction: Prairie View will attempt to test Jackson State’s defensive front with tempo and misdirection, but the Tigers’ physicality on both lines and their ability to effectively run the ball should help them prevail.
Jackson State 31, Prairie View 17.