The reigning national champion Jackson State Tigers started the 2025 season the same way they ended the 2024 season, capturing a trophy. Despite a slow start and trailing early on, Jackson State rallied, and kept the lead the for good in their 28 to 14 win over Hampton University. Head Coach TC Taylor was presented with the Hope Labor Day Classic Trophy. Joining Coach Taylor was the offensive player of the game, redshirt sophomore running back, Ahmad Miller who gained 180 yards on 12 carries with 2 touchdowns. Senior defensive lineman, Quincy Ivory was named defensive player of the game. Ivory had 8 tackles, including 2 sacks and forced a fumble.
Hampton jumped out to an early touchdown lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Isaiah Freeman broke lose for a 63 yard run before being caught inside the 5 yard line. Few plays later, running back, Ja’Quan Snipes scored from 3 yards out. The extra point was good, Hampton lead Jackson State by 7. JSU would tie game up on a 2 yard touchdown run by running back, Emari Matthews. Early in the second quarter, Senior running back, Donerio Davenport would score from 6 yards out. Jackson State almost scored right before halftime, but the clock expired before they could get a timeout. Running back Ahmad Miller took advantage of the Pirates’ defense playing a prevent defense. The defense dropped back expecting Jackson State to throw a hailmary. Instead, the tigers ran a draw play. Miller would scamper through the defense, falling short of the end zone just as the clock expired for the half. Jackson State lead 14 to 7.
3rd quarter action a stalemate. Neither offense would get into the end zone. Early in the 4th quarter, Quarterback Isaiah Freeman connected with wide receiver, MarShawn Ferguson Jr for a 30 yard touchdown. Game tied at 14. Quarterback Jacobian Morgan would take JSU down the field 82 yards for the go ahead touchdown. Ahmad Miller punched it in from 2 yards out. Hampton got the ball back with under 5 minutes to go. The Pirates were driving down the field. Quarterback Freeman over threw his intended receiver. The errant pass landed into the arms of defensive back, Khamauri Rogers. On the ensuing drive, first play of the drive, Running back Ahmad Miller took the handoff and raced 76 yards for the touchdown. Crowd erupts! Almost a collective sign of relief. Jackson State now lead 28 to 14.
Jackson State wins 28 to 14 in the Hope Labor Day Classic. A lot of things to iron out before their game next week in Hattiesburg. 1st game of the season and their were 10 penalties to show for it. Coach Taylor expressed disappointment with team receiving that many penalties. Quarterback Jacobian Morgan finished the game with 15 of 30 with 147 passing yards. Joanes Fortillien caught 5 passes for 43 yards. JSU was a menace on the ground rushing for 305 yards on 34 carries and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, the team held Hampton to 14 points despite playing more snaps than Coach Taylor would’ve liked.
Next game for Jackson State is Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 pm. USM is coming off a 34 to 13 loss to Mississippi State. The Golden Eagles played well for a half, but MSU rolled to an easy victory in the second half.