Jackson State Looks to Extend Winning Streak Against Alabama A&M at Gulf Coast Challenge
Mobile, Ala. — No. 23 Jackson State travels to Ladd-Pebbles Stadium to face Alabama A&M in the Gulf Coast Challenge, marking the fifth consecutive season for the event. Both teams enter Saturday’s game with 4-1 records and four-game winning streaks in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.
Jackson State (4-0, 1-0 SWAC) defeated Southern last week, while Alabama A&M (4-1, 1-0 SWAC) beat Florida A&M. The Tigers previously won all four matchups against Alabama A&M at the Gulf Coast Challenge in Mobile. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be broadcast on SWACTV. Weather forecasts predict rain and thunderstorms, which could impact the game.
Jackson State’s Jared Lockhart leads the nation in passing efficiency and yards per attempt, and ranks in the top 10 nationally in points responsible per game, passing yards per completion, passing yards per game, total offense, points responsible for, and passing touchdowns, according to team and national statistics.
Running back Nate Blount IV also ranks highly nationally, eighth in rushing yards per carry and tenth in rushing yards per game. He has surpassed 100 yards three times in four games this season.
Jackson State is ranked first nationally in blocked kicks allowed, blocked punts allowed, fumbles lost, passing yards per completion, and team passing efficiency. The team also ranks in the top 10 in several other categories, including turnovers lost, total offense, and scoring offense.
This game marks the Tigers’ fourth classic of the season, following victories in the John Merritt Classic, Hope Labor Day Classic, and W.C. Gorden Classic. It will be the final classic for Jackson State this season.
Since fall 2021, Jackson State has won 64 of 76 games and holds a 37-4 record against conference opponents in the regular season. The team has claimed three SWAC championships, appeared in three Celebration Bowls, and won the 2024 HBCU national championship.
Under head coach T.C. Taylor, Jackson State is 16-3 at home since 2023, including a perfect 6-0 in 2024. Last season, the Tigers went 5-1 at home, with their only loss coming in the SWAC Championship game, ending an 11-game home winning streak. The team has not lost a non-conference home game under Taylor.
Saturday’s matchup will be the fifth at the Gulf Coast Challenge between Alabama A&M and Jackson State, with the Tigers winning the previous four meetings.
Players to watch include Justin Foster, ranked fourth nationally in sacks per game; Nate Rembert, fourth in yards per reception; and Andrew Ivaniciuc, eighth in field goals per game, according to national rankings.
For more coverage of Jackson State athletics, follow the Tigers on social media at @GoJSUTigers (Instagram and Twitter), Jackson State Tigers on Facebook, or visit GoJSUTigers.com.
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