Jackson State defeats Tennessee State 26-24 in John A. Merritt Classic

Jackson State secured a 26-24 comeback victory against Tennessee State in the John A. Merritt Classic held at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.

Jackson State established an early 7-0 lead following an 88-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jared Lockhart to Jabari Jones. However, Tennessee State responded to take a 17-7 lead into halftime. Jackson State gradually closed the gap in the third quarter through field goals and a touchdown run by Emari Matthews.

In the fourth quarter, with Tennessee State leading 24-23, Lockhart orchestrated a critical 15-play, 77-yard drive that lasted over six minutes. The drive concluded with a 21-yard game-winning field goal by Andrew Ivaniciuc with 2:31 remaining. Lockhart finished the game completing 17 of 26 passes for 222 yards and one touchdown without committing a turnover.