Prairie View, TX – Prairie View A&M capped a storybook season with a 23–21 win over Jackson State in the SWAC Championship Game, delivering the Panthers their first conference crown – and first SWAC title – since 2009. Under head coach Tremaine Jackson, PVAMU improved to 10–3 and punched its ticket to Atlanta, where they will face the South Carolina State Bulldogs in the Celebration Bowl.
Quarterback Cameron Peters was the engine of the Panthers offense from start to finish. The junior was poised and relentless, completing 17 of 28 passes for 294 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while also leading PVAMU on the ground with 24 carries for 100 yards and a score. When Prairie View needed a play, Peters’ legs extended drives, and his arm opened up the field for a balanced, attacking offense.
He was supported by standout wide receiver Jyziah Rockwell, who entered the championship with nearly 1,000 receiving yards on the season. His presence kept Jackson State’s defense stretched and created opportunities for Peters and the Panthers’ committee of backs. Prairie View’s offensive versatility was on display again, and it proved to be the difference in a tight, emotional title game.
Jackson State came into the matchup favored to return to the Celebration Bowl for a rematch against South Carolina State, but the afternoon took a dramatic turn. Quarterback Jacobian Morgan, whose dynamic playmaking has shined between injuries all season, broke loose for a long rushing touchdown early in the contest. It was a reminder of how electric he can be when healthy. But soon after, Morgan succumbed to the injuries that have plagued him all year, forcing JSU to once again rely on freshman quarterback Jared Lockhart.
Lockhart has been impressive throughout the year, but when Morgan goes down, the Tigers become significantly more vulnerable—a pattern we saw earlier in the season in their loss to Grambling State. Even still, Lockhart battled, delivering timely throws to playmakers like Nate Rembert (4 receptions, 80 yards), helping the Tigers mount a second-half surge.
But Prairie View’s defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, shutting out JSU and preserving the narrow two-point lead. As the final seconds drained away, purple and gold erupted across Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium—PVAMU had finally returned to SWAC glory.
And this victory sets up a Celebration Bowl matchup that tells a powerful story about coaching in HBCU football. Instead of the high-profile “Deion Model”—hiring a big name with star power—the SWAC title and Celebration Bowl berth were earned by two proven winners from Division II.
- Tremaine Jackson, in his first year with Prairie View, took the Panthers to the SWAC Championship and won it.
- Chennis Berry, in his first season at South Carolina State, led the Bulldogs back to the Celebration Bowl and has never lost to a MEAC opponent since becoming a head coach.
If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s this: Pulling winners from the D2 level up to Division I is a productive and successful strategy. These are coaches who know how to build programs, develop players, and win immediately. Jackson and Berry are proof that the formula works—and now they will meet in Atlanta with a national HBCU title on the line.
Prairie View’s triumph was more than just a championship. It was a statement about resilience, coaching, culture, and belief. It was a reminder that greatness in the SWAC isn’t just about headlines—it’s about proven leaders who know how to win.
And in 2025, Prairie View A&M proved that they have exactly that.
