The 2026 Jackson State football schedule features 11 games, including 5 home dates at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium plus 8 SWAC Conference matchups. The Tigers open at the John Merritt Classic against Tennessee State on Aug 29 and close on the road at Alcorn State on Nov 21. The slate includes the Boombox Classic against Southern on Sep 26 and Homecoming against Florida A&M on Oct 17, with games across the ESPN family of networks, SWAC TV, and HBCUGO.
2026 Jackson State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | at Tennessee State | 7:30 PM | TBA |
| Sep 5 | vs Edward Waters | 6:00 PM | HBCUGO |
| Sep 19 | vs Tuskegee | 6:00 PM | SWAC TV |
| Sep 26 | vs Southern (SWAC) | 6:00 PM | ESPN |
| Oct 3 | vs Alabama A&M (SWAC) | 4:00 PM | SWAC TV |
| Oct 10 | at Grambling State (SWAC) | 4:00 PM | SWAC TV |
| Oct 17 | vs Florida A&M (SWAC) | 2:00 PM | ESPN |
| Oct 24 | at Bethune-Cookman (SWAC) | 1:00 PM | SWAC TV |
| Nov 7 | vs Mississippi Valley State (SWAC) | 2:00 PM | HBCUGO |
| Nov 14 | at Alabama State (SWAC) | 2:00 PM | ESPN |
| Nov 21 | at Alcorn State (SWAC) | 2:00 PM | ESPN |
Times are local and subject to change. SWAC marks SWAC Conference games. Several games air on the ESPN family of networks, SWAC TV, or HBCUGO.
More 2026 FCS Resources
- 2026 FCS Football Schedule Hub
- 2026 SWAC Football Schedule and Standings Tracker
- 2026 FCS Playoff Bracket (printable)
2026 Jackson State Football FAQ
How many home games does Jackson State have in 2026?
Jackson State has 5 home games on the 2026 schedule, played at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi.
Who does Jackson State open the 2026 season against?
Jackson State opens the 2026 season against Tennessee State in the John Merritt Classic on Aug 29.
What conference is Jackson State in for 2026?
Jackson State plays in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference), a premier HBCU league in the FCS, with 8 conference games on the 2026 schedule.
Does Jackson State play in the FCS playoffs?
No. The SWAC does not send its champion to the FCS playoffs. Instead, the SWAC champion meets the MEAC champion in the Celebration Bowl, the postseason showcase for HBCU football.
Is there a printable Jackson State schedule?
Yes. A free printable Jackson State schedule PDF is available at the top of this page, with every 2026 opponent, date, and kickoff in one sheet.
