Mobile, Ala. — October 4, 2025
Ladd-Peebles Stadium was the stage for another marquee HBCU matchup Saturday as Jackson State University powered past Alabama A&M University 57–24, earning their fourth consecutive Gulf Coast Challenge victory.
The annual classic — a centerpiece event celebrating HBCU pride, history, and tradition — capped off several days of festivities in Mobile, including luncheons, concerts, and a career fair. By kickoff, more than 14,000 fans filled the stands for what’s become one of the premier events in Black college football. 
First Half Fireworks
Jackson State (4–1, 2–0 SWAC) wasted no time setting the tone. Quarterback JaCobian Morgan connected early with Shemar Savage for a 22-yard touchdown following a Gerardo Baeza field goal to give JSU a 10–0 advantage. Alabama A&M (3–3, 0–2 SWAC) briefly answered with a 10-yard scoring run from quarterback Cornelius Brown IV, trimming the deficit to 10–7.
But from there, it was all Jackson State.
Morgan showcased his dual-threat ability — punching in a 4-yard rushing score before firing a 60-yard strike to Savage midway through the second quarter. Another touchdown pass to Ja’Naylon Dupree and a last-second field goal by Donovan Warren sent the Tigers into halftime with a commanding 33–10 lead.
By intermission, Morgan had already thrown for 237 yards on 16-of-21 passing, with three total touchdowns.
Second-Half Statement
Alabama A&M opened the third quarter with a spark, finding the end zone twice through the air — including a 41-yard connection to Daveon Walker — but Jackson State’s offensive rhythm proved unstoppable. Morgan found Dupree again for a 37-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter before Donerio Davenport’s short scoring run sealed the victory.
Morgan finished his night with 314 passing yards, four touchdown passes, and one rushing score, while also leading the Tigers on the ground with 120 rushing yards on 12 carries.
Savage caught three passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns, and Travis Terrell Jr. added 103 rushing yards on seven carries. Jackson State’s ground game overwhelmed Alabama A&M, racking up 388 yards on 49 attempts.
For the Bulldogs, Brown completed 26 of 39 passes for 341 yards, tossing two touchdowns and one interception. Walker led A&M receivers with nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, but the Bulldogs mustered just 59 rushing yards on 26 attempts.
Final Stats
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson State | 10 | 23 | 10 | 14 | 57 |
| Alabama A&M | 7 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
Gulf Coast Legacy
Saturday’s victory extends Jackson State’s dominance in the Gulf Coast Challenge, improving their record to 4–0 all-time against Alabama A&M in Mobile. The event continues to shine as one of the premier showcases of HBCU football excellence, uniting alumni, students, and fans from across the South in a weekend-long celebration of culture and competition.
With the win, Jackson State improves to 4–1 overall and 2–0 in the SWAC, while Alabama A&M drops to 3–3 and 0–2 in conference play.
