Jackson State closed the 2025 campaign with a 9‑3 record, capturing the SWAC East title before dropping a 23‑21 decision to Prairie View A&M in the conference championship game.
Coach T.C. Taylor has identified special teams and situational football as the primary focus areas for improvement as the program moves forward.
Special Teams Revamp
The Tigers have added three new kickers to the roster: Division II transfer Daylen Ortiz, Rashdan Tebyasa, and freshman Andrew Ivaniciuc. Ortiz previously went 2‑for‑6 on field goals at Lincoln, while Tebyasa made a 22‑yard attempt and converted two of five extra points at Fort Valley State. Ivaniciuc was 16‑of‑20 on field goals and 51‑of‑53 on PATs last season.
Third‑Down Emphasis
Taylor pointed to third‑down efficiency as another key metric, noting that JSU converted 48.7 % of its opportunities while holding opponents to a 33.7 % conversion rate, yet the championship game showed the need for further progress.
Practice will begin the last week of July, and the Tigers open the 2026 season on Aug. 29 at Tennessee State in Nashville, Tennessee, ready to translate the offseason work into on‑field results.