STWF Sports | JACKSON | Dec. 6, 2025  — In a matchup loaded with history, urgency, and stakes that stretched far beyond the final whistle, Prairie View A&M delivered its signature performance of the season. The Panthers left Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon as 2025 SWAC Champions, edging Jackson State 23–21 in a defensive slugfest that will be remembered across the conference for years to come.

The victory marks Prairie View’s first SWAC crown since 2009 and caps off a remarkable 10–3 campaign under first-year head coach Tremaine Jackson. The Panthers finished SWAC play 8–1, proving that the foundation laid throughout the fall was no mirage—this team was built to finish the job.

Peters Named Offensive MVP, Panthers Shine in the Air

Quarterback Cameron Peters continued his career-best campaign, turning in perhaps his most complete performance under pressure. The redshirt junior threw for 294 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while also rushing for 100 yards and a score. His dual-threat impact earned him 2025 SWAC Championship Offensive MVP honors.

Peters’ poise made all the difference against a physical JSU defense. His ability to extend plays allowed the Panther receivers to find gaps, and he repeatedly converted crucial third downs, finishing 10-for-21 in those situations.

Jyzaiah Rockwell was his top weapon, hauling in four catches for 96 yards, including momentum-flipping receptions that set the tone early. Ethan John provided the biggest strike of the day — a 66-yard catch that electrified the PV sideline and silenced the Tiger faithful.

Though the Panthers rushed for just 23 yards beyond Peters’ production, every yard mattered in a game dictated by field position, defensive stands, and momentum swings.

Starling Earns Defensive MVP as Prairie View Smothers JSU Run Game

The defensive story was perhaps even more stunning than the air attack.

Jackson State entered the game known for its bruising ground-and-pound style, yet Prairie View’s defense suffocated the Tigers, holding them to only 84 rushing yards all afternoon. Defensive standout Darrell Starling anchored that effort, finishing with eight tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and a pivotal interception. His commanding performance earned him the SWAC Defensive MVP nod.

Starling’s interception set up a field goal — Prairie View’s lone takeaway of the game — and the Panthers capitalized as they did all afternoon on drives that stalled for Jackson State.

In total, PV allowed just 244 yards of offense, including only 160 through the air. Every possession became a grind for JSU, and Prairie View dominated time of possession, holding the football for 38:56 compared to Jackson State’s 21:04.

How It Happened

Prairie View wasted little time setting the tone, going up 7–0 with 4:22 left in the opening quarter. After Jackson State tied the contest, a 19-yard field goal gave the Panthers a 10–7 edge.

The Panthers closed the first half with another Alfaro field goal to lead 13–7 — and they never looked back.

In the third quarter, Prairie View extended its lead to 16–7, then answered a Jackson State score with a decisive touchdown to go up 23–14 with 3:21 remaining in the frame. Jackson State pulled within two late, but Panthers’ clock control and crucial defensive stops sealed the championship.

Alfaro Steady, Special Teams Deliver

Kicker Diego Alfaro knocked down three field goals, including a 42-yarder, calmly handling pressure moments that loomed large in such a tight game.

In a contest where every sequence mattered, Prairie View’s third-down conversions, turnover management, and special teams poise proved decisive.

A Championship Sealed — And A New Standard Set

From tough road wins to a resilient late-season push, Prairie View A&M never blinked — and Saturday was the defining moment.

This wasn’t just a championship victory. It was a message:

The Panthers are back. The SWAC runs through Prairie View. And a new standard has been set.

The 2025 title belongs to the purple and gold.