STWF Sports| JACKSON, Miss.| September 26, 2026 — One of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s most recognizable rivalries returns Saturday night as Southern University visits Jackson State for the annual BoomBox Classic at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, with the matchup available on ESPN+. Southern enters at 2-2 overall and 0-1 in SWAC play, while Jackson State comes in undefeated at 3-0 and will be opening its conference schedule.

The stakes are already significant. Beyond bragging rights and conference positioning, the all-time series sits dead even at 36-36, giving Saturday’s meeting another layer of importance.

Jackson State has controlled the recent history, however, carrying a seven-game winning streak in the series. Southern has not won the BoomBox Classic since the spring 2021 season.

Southern Looks to Build on Offensive Breakthrough

The Jaguars arrive in Jackson with momentum after a 50-31 victory over Louisiana Christian, a game in which Southern’s ground attack took center stage.

That rushing success could be especially important against Jackson State.

Head coach Marshall Faulk, in his first season leading the Jaguars, has leaned on a physical offensive identity while continuing to develop quarterback Christian Johnson. With Fred McNair now calling the offense, Southern will look to establish the run early and avoid placing Johnson in obvious passing situations.

The challenge will be doing that against a Jackson State defense that has helped the Tigers remain unbeaten through the first three weeks.

If the Tigers can control the line of scrimmage and limit Southern’s rushing lanes, the Jaguars may be forced to ask more from Johnson through the air. That could make protection, third-down efficiency and ball security critical throughout the night.

Givens Leads Southern Defensive Challenge

Defensively, Southern will look to Ckelby Givens to create disruption.

The standout defensive end represents one of the Jaguars’ most dangerous playmakers and could be central to Southern’s attempt to slow Jackson State quarterback Jared Lockhart.

Givens’ ability to win off the edge could create opportunities not only for himself, but also for the rest of the Jaguars’ front seven. Southern will need to pressure Lockhart without losing discipline against the run or allowing explosive plays downfield.

For the Jaguars, creating negative plays and getting off the field on third down could be the difference between keeping the game close and allowing Jackson State to control tempo.

Jackson State Enters With Momentum

The Tigers come into the rivalry matchup at 3-0 after a convincing 41-7 victory over Tuskegee.

Head coach T.C. Taylor has his team playing with confidence entering SWAC competition, and Jackson State will now look to carry that early-season success into one of the program’s biggest rivalry games.

The Tigers also have the advantage of playing at home, where the atmosphere at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium should add to the intensity.

Jackson State enters as a 20.5-point favorite, but rivalry games often bring a different level of emotion and unpredictability.

Rivalry Stakes Take Center Stage

For Southern, Saturday represents an opportunity to end a lengthy losing streak in the series and make an early statement in conference play.

For Jackson State, it is a chance to remain unbeaten, open the SWAC schedule with a win and continue its recent dominance of the BoomBox Classic.

With the all-time series tied and both programs carrying significant storylines into the matchup, Saturday night offers another major chapter in one of HBCU football’s signature rivalries.

Game: Southern at Jackson State
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Kickoff: 6 p.m. CT
Location: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Mississippi
Broadcast: ESPN+
Series: Tied 36-36