In a thrilling overtime showdown at the Celebration Bowl, NC Central pulled off a stunning 41-34 victory over Jackson State, dashing the heavily favored Tigers' hopes of clinching the HBCU national championship for the second year in a row. This loss also marked the final game for Deion Sanders, the head coach at JSU, who has already moved on to become Colorado's new head coach.

The game started with NC Central (10-2) taking an early lead, courtesy of Davius Richard, the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, who ran in a four-yard touchdown. However, Jackson State (12-1) quickly responded as Shedeur Sanders, the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, unleashed two touchdown passes to put the Tigers in the lead during the second quarter.

The contest intensified as both teams traded blows, with the lead changing hands multiple times. In a dramatic fourth quarter, NC Central mounted a seven-minute drive and regained the lead with a touchdown run by Latrell Collins. They added some flair by executing the "Philly Special" on a two-point conversion attempt, extending their lead to 34-27.

With the game on the line, Sanders and his team made crucial plays to keep their hopes alive. Confronted with a 4th and 7 situation and just over a minute remaining, Sanders completed a 10-yard pass to JD Martin, keeping their drive alive. Then, with 4th and 10 in the closing seconds of regulation, Sanders found freshman Travis Hunter in the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown, equalizing the score at 34-34 and forcing overtime.

In the overtime period, NC Central struck first as dynamic quarterback Davius Richard powered through with a one-yard keeper for a touchdown. On their possession, Jackson State appeared poised to respond but fell short when tight end Hayden Hagler dropped a potential game-tying touchdown catch on 3rd and goal from the one-yard line. With 4th and goal, Sanders' pass to the end zone went incomplete, sealing the victory for NC Central.

Now that the season has concluded, Deion Sanders will fully shift his focus to Colorado, where his son Shedeur is likely to join him. It is anticipated that highly regarded freshman Travis Hunter will also follow them to Boulder. Meanwhile, Jackson State will see wide receivers coach T.C. Taylor take over as the new Tigers head coach, succeeding Sanders.