Jackson State University and the HBCU football community are mourning the loss of Levi Wyatt Jr., a 23-year-old former Tigers defensive back who was killed in a car crash early Saturday morning in Jackson.
According to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Capitol Police responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of North State Street and Belhaven Street around 12:14 a.m. on August 1. One of the vehicles, a Chevrolet Camaro driven by Wyatt, also struck a utility pole. Hinds County Coroner Jeramiah Howard confirmed Wyatt was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in Wyatt’s vehicle was taken to a hospital with injuries described as life-threatening; the driver of the second vehicle was not hurt. The Mississippi Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation, which remains active, and no cause or charges have been announced.
Jackson State’s football program released a statement mourning Wyatt: “The bond of this brotherhood does not end when the game clock expires. Today, we mourn the loss of our brother, Levi Wyatt. His memory will forever live within the halls of Jackson State football and in the hearts of everyone who shared this journey with him. We ask the Tiger Nation to join us in lifting his family and loved ones in prayer during this incredibly difficult time. Rest easy, Tiger.”
A Mississippi Football Journey
A Vicksburg native, Wyatt began his prep career at Vicksburg High School before finishing at Holmes County Central. He transferred to McNeese State from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, appearing in 10 games in his first season there before breaking out in 2024 with 33 tackles, two tackles for loss, and eight pass breakups — earning second-team All-Southland Conference honors and a spot on the Phil Steele All-Southland team.
Wyatt spent his final collegiate season at Jackson State in 2025, appearing in all 12 games on defense and special teams and finishing with 12 tackles and four pass breakups as the Tigers won the SWAC East Division championship. Earlier this year, he declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Our thoughts are with Wyatt’s family, his Jackson State teammates, and everyone across the SWAC and HBCU football community affected by this loss.