In an anticipated college football matchup, Jackson State University made history with a commanding 28-7 victory over South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl. The contest, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 37,000 fans, was a significant achievement in the football program, spotlighting the champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
This victory is particularly sweet for the Tigers, as it represents their third appearance in the Celebration Bowl over the last four years, finally breaking through with a championship banner. The game also set records, with Jackson State limiting the Bulldogs to just seven points—the fewest ever allowed in Celebration Bowl history—and securing a 21-point margin of victory, matching the record set in their previous encounter in 2021.
Star Players
Leading the way for the Tigers was quarterback Jacobian Morgan, who racked up 233 passing yards and threw two touchdown passes, earning him the offensive MVP title of the game. Morgan’s standout performance included a remarkable 67-yard connection with Isaiah Spencer, setting up a pivotal touchdown run from Irv Mulligan, the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year.
T.C. Taylor Brings the Title Home
“These guys, they worked their butts off all year for this moment, and they went out there today and dominated,” Jackson State coach T.C. Taylor said. “I’m just proud of my football team, proud of the fans, my coaching staff, everybody that made this happen. You know, to be a national champ right now, it feels awesome.”
For head coach T.C. Taylor, this win was not just the culmination of a season; it represented years of hard work, perseverance, and deep-rooted love for his alma mater.
T.C. Taylor, who attended his first JSU game at ten years old, had long dreamed of this moment. After serving as an assistant coach for previous trips to the Celebration Bowl that ended in disappointment, Taylor finally reached the pinnacle of success on Saturday. As the final seconds ticked away, the roar of Jackson State fans echoed through the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, chanting his name to celebrate their triumph.
“That was unbelievable,” Taylor expressed after the game. “That’s a moment I never forget. But to get on that stage, I’ve been waiting a long time to get on that stage. To hoist that trophy up, you know? And it was unbelievable.”
