Jackson State Tigers Favored to Repeat as 2025 HBCU Football National Champions in Preseason Media Poll
Jackson State, the reigning 2024 HBCU Division I Football National Champions, has been voted the unanimous No. 1 team in the 2025 HBCU Football Preseason Media Poll, firmly establishing the Tigers as the favorites to start the upcoming season. Following closely are South Carolina State, North Carolina Central, Southern University, and Florida A&M, rounding out a competitive top five that highlights the strength and depth of HBCU football programs heading into the new year.
Jackson, Mississippi — As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes are on Jackson State University and its Tigers football team, fresh off capturing the 2024 HBCU national title with a commanding 31-16 victory over South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl. After finishing last season with an impressive 12-2 record and an undefeated 8-0 mark in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Jackson State has carried its momentum into the offseason and earned the top spot in national HBCU polls, including coach and media rankings. This dominant recognition is not just a nod to past success but a clear forecast of their expected performance in the months ahead.
Quarterback Jacobian Morgan, who garnered preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the Year honors, returns as the offensive leader, backed by a talented skill corps including running back Travis Terrell and wide receiver Joanes Fortilien. The Tigers’ offense is further bolstered by impactful transfers like Shemar Savage from Prairie View A&M and Nate Rembert from Mississippi Valley State, adding depth and versatility to Coach T.C. Taylor’s game plan. Taylor, a Jackson State alum and now in his third year as head coach, has already guided the program to multiple championships, including the recent 2024 SWAC Championship and the national HBCU title. His leadership is widely credited as a driving force behind the team’s resurgence and rising profile on the national stage.
“Returning as national champions brings a level of expectation that we embrace,” Taylor said. “Our goal is to build on that success with hard work, team unity, and strategic play. The talent on this team is undeniable, and our focus is to represent Jackson State with excellence on and off the field.”
On the defensive side, the Tigers have shown a balanced approach. Standout players like Shamar Hawkins, who recorded multiple tackles and interceptions during the championship run, and Cameron Smith, who contributed significant tackles for loss, are key components expected to maintain the program’s defensive strength throughout the season. Jackson State’s ability to pressure opposing offenses with sacks and turnovers was a hallmark of their 2024 success and remains a central pillar of their strategy.
The larger HBCU football landscape reflects rising competition, with South Carolina State and North Carolina Central closely trailing Jackson State in the preseason rankings. Both teams have storied histories and continue to build formidable programs, ensuring that the 2025 season will be fiercely contested. Southern University and Florida A&M also feature prominently in polls, underscoring the talent and depth across conferences like the SWAC and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
At the Division II level, schools such as Virginia Union and Miles College add a dynamic dimension to HBCU football, showcasing the breadth of competition beyond Division I and highlighting prospects who may impact the sport’s future.
Beyond the field, the influence of HBCUs is expanding, evidenced by former HBCU head coaches preparing to debut in FBS programs next season, signaling growing recognition of the coaching talent developed within these historic programs. This trend speaks to the evolving role of HBCU football in the broader college sports ecosystem, driven by increased media coverage, NIL opportunities, and the transfer portal’s impact.
Looking ahead, Jackson State and its rivals will be tested in a schedule filled with key matchups and classic rivalries that are cornerstones of HBCU football culture. Homecoming celebrations, marching band rivalries, and the passionate engagement of alumni and community remain integral to the HBCU football experience, adding a rich cultural layer that elevates these games far beyond the scoreboard.
In summary, the 2025 HBCU football season promises a thrilling chapter, with Jackson State leading the charge as the team to beat. Their combination of returning talent, strategic coaching, and a winning tradition positions them to defend their title successfully. Yet, the competitive balance within the conferences suggests an exciting season ahead for fans and players alike, as each program vies to write its own legacy in the storied history of Black college football.
Upcoming games shaping the season include high-stakes conference matchups that will test Jackson State’s championship mettle and opportunities for programs like South Carolina State and North Carolina Central to challenge the established order.
Coverage of these developments will continue to highlight not only the athletic prowess but also the cultural significance that HBCU sports bring to the national conversation.
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