Sports
Jackson State Football Reigns Supreme in SWAC, Advances to Celebration Bowl
By HBCU Original
JACKSON, Miss. — The Jackson State Tigers are officially back on top, and their SWAC dominance is undeniable.
In a statement victory, Jackson State (11-2) crushed Southern 41-13 on Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. This marks the Tigers’ third conference title in four years and the first under second-year head coach T.C. Taylor.
McDonald Steps Up When It Matters Most
Starting quarterback Jacobian Morgan exited late in the first half after taking a tough hit. Enter junior quarterback Zy McDonald, who stepped in and put on a show.
McDonald accounted for 170 total yards, including 95 on the ground and two touchdowns. His composure and dual-threat ability kept the Tigers’ offense humming, proving that the moment was never too big for him.
“I always prepare like I’m going to play,” McDonald said postgame. “Tonight, it was my turn to step up for my brothers.”
Southern Overwhelmed by Tigers’ Defense
Southern (8-5), the SWAC West representative, struggled to find offensive rhythm. Quarterback Czavian Teasett was limited to 127 passing yards, and the Jaguars failed to generate consistent momentum against Jackson State’s swarming defense.
The Tigers imposed their will, winning the physical battle in the trenches and forcing Southern to settle for short drives and punts.
Celebration Bowl Bound
The Tigers’ victory sends them to the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Dec. 14 in Atlanta, where they will face MEAC champion South Carolina State (9-2). It’s an opportunity for Jackson State to showcase their talent on the national stage and bring home more hardware.
Game Highlights
Final Score: Jackson State 41, Southern 13
Key Plays:
- 2Q: Emari Matthews tied the game 10-10 with a two-yard touchdown run just before halftime.
- 3Q: Irv Mulligan’s two-yard touchdown run extended the lead to 17-10 early in the second half.
- 4Q: McDonald sealed the deal with a 23-yard touchdown run, stretching the lead to 27-10.
Player of the Game: Zy McDonald – 170 total yards and two touchdowns, stepping in at quarterback with poise and purpose.
Jackson State’s Recipe for Success
This season, the Tigers have thrived on resilience and adaptability. Despite injuries, they’ve leaned on their depth and found new heroes each week. Saturday was no different, with McDonald and the defense setting the tone.
A Legacy in Progress
For Jackson State, this isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about carrying the torch for HBCU excellence. From T.C. Taylor’s leadership to the grit of the players, this program continues to elevate the legacy of SWAC football.
Stay tuned as the Tigers aim for glory in Atlanta and represent HBCU pride on the biggest stage.
— HBCU Original: The Voice of Black College Sports
HBCU ORIGINAL
SWAC Outdoor Track & Field — Jackson State Breaks Through, FAMU Stays on Top
The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.
On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.
Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.

HBCU ORIGINAL
SIAC Outdoor Track & Field — Morehouse and Tuskegee Capture 2026 Championships
The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.
On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.
Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.

HBCU ORIGINAL
Voorhees & Dillard Lead New Conference Era | HBCUAC Outdoor Track & Field
The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.
Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.
Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.
The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.

HBCU ORIGINAL
MEAC Outdoor Track & Field — Norfolk State & Howard Continue Dynasty Control
The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.
On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.
On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.
MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.

HBCU ORIGINAL
CIAA Outdoor Track & Field — Virginia Union & Winston-Salem State Hold the Crown
The CIAA saw strong championship performances on both sides as Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Virginia Union controlled the men’s meet with steady scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, building enough separation to hold off challengers and secure the championship.
On the women’s side, Winston-Salem State continued its strong run in CIAA competition, delivering a balanced performance highlighted by relay strength and consistent event scoring to secure another conference title.
CIAA track & field continues to run through two established powers at the top of the conference.

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