Tigers Return to SWAC Championship: JSU to Host Prairie View A&M Dec. 6

November 23, 2025

JSU logo football on blue turf

The SWAC Championship comes to Jackson, Mississippi on December 6 when Jackson State hosts Prairie View A&M at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Tigers claimed the conference's East division title and will compete for their 21st SWAC championship on home turf.

Following its Week 13 victory against Alcorn State, Jackson State football (9-2, 7-1 SWAC) secured the SWAC East title. The Tigers will welcome Prairie View A&M (9-3, 7-1) for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff.

Television coverage details remain unannounced, and ticketing details are forthcoming.

How JSU Earned Home-Field Advantage

JSU claimed hosting rights via the SWAC's tiebreaker policy. The first three tiebreakers – head-to-head competition, conference record against common opponents and record against divisional opponents – were not sufficient. JSU won on the fourth tiebreaker, FCS Coaches poll rankings. The Tigers are No. 15, and PVAMU is not ranked.

Recent Championship History

Jackson State returns to the SWAC Championship after defeating Southern 41-13 at home in last year's game. This marks the Tigers' ninth appearance in the championship game since the SWAC began awarding division titles and playing a championship game in 1999.

This will be PVAMU's fourth time appearing in the conference championship game. The Panthers' last appearance in the game was against Florida A&M in 2023. PVAMU lost 35-14.

Historical Matchup Context

The Tigers compete for their 21st SWAC championship. PVAMU will be playing for its 11th. JSU holds a 42-15-2 all-time advantage against the Panthers. These programs last met in the 2021 SWAC Championship. The Tigers won 27-15 in Jackson.

Looking Ahead to the Celebration Bowl

The championship victor will face the MEAC champion, South Carolina State, in the Cricket Celebration Bowl.

The game, which serves as a de facto HBCU national championship, will be Dec. 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. JSU won last year's Celebration Bowl, beating SCSU 28-7.