By Marco Shelby
Photography/Videography Editor
Jackson State University started strong for its football season with a 28–14 win over Hampton University on Aug. 30. The game remained close for three quarters before the Tigers pulled away in the final period, giving them a positive start to the year.
For much of the night, Jackson State’s offense sputtered, missing chances to capitalize on good field position and struggling to find any rhythm. Still, the defense kept the Tigers alive, with running back Aubrey Miller rushing down the field, gaining central yards, and defensive lineman Quincy Ivory locking down Hampton’s passing game. Even without star player Jeremiah Williams (defensive lineman) in uniform, Jackson State showed its depth and toughness, grinding through the rough patches to stay within striking distance.
The payoff came in the 4th quarter when the Tigers finally found the spark they needed. Behind stronger play in the trenches and sharper execution, Jackson State pieced together two straight scoring drives that swung the momentum and ultimately put the game out of reach.
The win not only gave the Tigers a strong start to the season but also backed up the words of head coach T.C. Taylor, who stressed all week that his team’s identity comes from execution and depth, not who lines up across from them.
“When we play our A-game, it doesn’t matter who’s on the other side,” said Taylor.
His players proved him right. Now, with confidence building after a gritty opening performance, Jackson State turns its attention to a road test against Southern Miss, eager to show they’re just getting started.
Still, the defense rose to the challenge. Time and time again, they held Hampton at bay, preventing the Pirates from building on their early momentum. That toughness kept JSU within striking distance while the offense worked to get going.
The story of the night was how Jackson State battled through three quarters of offensive frustration. Drives stalled, passes fell incomplete, and opportunities slipped away.
Taylor credited his defense for keeping the team afloat.
“I continue to challenge our defense to go out there and get it done until the offense gets going,” he said.
That patience paid off. Miller delivered one of the few offensive sparks in the first half with a big run before halftime. Though he didn’t score, the play gave the offense a much-needed boost. Miller, however, was not satisfied.
“I feel like I had a decent game, but there was definitely more out there. There was money left on the field. It’s something we’ll go back and watch as a team,” said Miller.
Defensively, Ivory stepped up in a significant way. Known for his ability to rush the passer, he applied constant pressure that kept Hampton’s quarterback uncomfortable. Alongside him, the rest of the defense played with the speed and commitment Taylor said would define the program.
One of the most impressive parts of the victory was how Jackson State thrived even without some of its key players. Jeremiah Williams, praised by Taylor earlier in the week as one of the best in the FCS, did not suit up, and a handful of others were also rested. Despite that, the Tigers still had enough talent to control the game in the 4th quarter.
That depth reflects Taylor’s larger vision for the program.
“Depth is everything to a football program,” he said before the game. The win over Hampton proved him right. With multiple players ready to step in and perform, the Tigers showed that they are built to handle adversity.
Coach Taylor made it clear that, while the victory was important, there was still much work to be done.
“We’ve got to get back to the drawing board,” he said. “It’s a holiday weekend for everyone else, but not for us.”
For Jackson State fans, the season opener provided a glimpse of both the challenges and the successes ahead. Hampton showed that it was no pushover, but the Tigers demonstrated that they could grind, fight, and finish strong — a formula that could carry them deep into the season and perhaps lead to another run at a national title.
Now, Jackson State turns its focus to the next challenge, a road matchup against the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. The Tigers will head down to Hattiesburg on Sept. 6, looking to carry the momentum of their opening win into a new environment.
With depth, resilience, and renewed rhythm, the program is gearing up for what could be another defining test early in the season.
