# Jackson State and Tennessee State football game

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jackson-state-and-tennessee-state-football-game
> Updated: 2026-08-30T21:54:11.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Jackson State University defeated Tennessee State University 26-24 in the John Merritt Classic held in Nashville.

Reports on the game details vary regarding the final sequence. One account describes a dramatic finish where Tennessee State attempted a 36-yard field goal with 56 seconds remaining, but a mishandled snap prevented the kick, allowing Jackson State to secure the win. Another account states that Jackson State quarterback Jared Lockhart led a 15-play, 77-yard drive in the fourth quarter, which ended with a 21-yard game-winning field goal by Andrew Ivaniciuc with 2:31 remaining.

Jackson State’s performance featured an early 7-0 lead via an 88-yard touchdown pass from Lockhart to Jabari Jones. Despite Tennessee State taking a 17-7 halftime lead and later leading 24-23, Jackson State closed the gap through field goals and a touchdown run by Emari Matthews before the final scoring drive.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-30: Jackson State defeats Tennessee State 26-24 in John A. Merritt Classic

Jackson State defeated Tennessee State 26-24 in the John A. Merritt Classic, led by Jared Lockhart's composed performance and a late game-winning field goal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jackson-state-defeats-tennessee-state-26-24-in-john-a-merritt-classic

### 2026-08-28: Jackson State defeats Tennessee State 26-24 in John Merritt Classic

Jackson State defeated Tennessee State 26-24 in the John Merritt Classic after a botched Tennessee State field goal attempt in the final minute of the game.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jackson-state-defeats-tennessee-state-26-24-in-john-merritt-classic

---
Cite as: Jackson State and Tennessee State football game. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jackson-state-and-tennessee-state-football-game