Image via Ayton Breckenridge/The Clarion Ledger
JACKSON, Miss. — Jackson State put together a dominant performance in its 2026 home opener, overwhelming Edward Waters 66-14 Saturday night at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in the HOPE Labor Day Classic.
The Tigers improved to 2-0 with the convincing victory after opening the season with a 26-24 comeback win over Tennessee State. Jackson State’s offense exploded against Edward Waters, while the defense consistently kept the visitors from finding a rhythm.
The Tigers’ performance was particularly impressive considering how competitive their season opener had been. Jackson State trailed Tennessee State by 10 points at halftime before rallying for the victory. Against Edward Waters, however, the Tigers established control early and never relinquished it. (Jackson State University)
Jackson State Offense Explodes
Quarterback Jared Lockhart turned in a spectacular performance, completing 17 of 25 passes for 388 yards and four touchdowns.
Lockhart’s performance was a major step forward from his season-opening outing against Tennessee State, when he completed 17 of 26 passes for 222 yards and one touchdown. (Jackson State University)
Wide receiver Nate Rembert was one of the biggest difference-makers for the Tigers, hauling in four receptions for 179 yards.
Running back Nate Blount IV also contributed two rushing touchdowns as Jackson State repeatedly found success on the ground.
Jackson State finished with 704 yards of total offense, turning the matchup into a runaway victory.
Tigers Dominate on the Scoreboard
Jackson State jumped on Edward Waters early and continued pouring it on throughout the night.
Scoring by Quarter
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| Edward Waters | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| Jackson State | 14 | 24 | 14 | 14 | 66 |
The Tigers entered halftime with a commanding 38-0 advantage and continued adding to their lead after the break.
Edward Waters finally got on the scoreboard in the second half, but by then Jackson State had already put the game firmly out of reach.
Scoring Plays
First Quarter
- Jackson State — J. Riley Jr. scored on a 12-yard touchdown reception from Jared Lockhart.
- Jackson State — Joanes Fortilien followed with a 4-yard touchdown reception from Lockhart.
Jackson State 14, Edward Waters 0
Second Quarter
- Jackson State — Nate Blount IV scored on an 8-yard rushing touchdown.
- Jackson State — Kobe Paul hauled in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Lockhart.
- Jackson State — Andrew Ivaniciuc connected on a 41-yard field goal.
- Jackson State — S. Saint-Louis caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Lockhart.
Jackson State’s four second-quarter scores turned the game into a rout and sent the Tigers into halftime with a 38-0 lead.
Third Quarter
- Jackson State — C.J. Tolbert III recovered a fumble and returned it for a defensive touchdown.
- Jackson State — Nate Blount IV added his second rushing touchdown of the night on a 7-yard run.
- Edward Waters — D. McCarthy answered with a 52-yard interception return touchdown.
Jackson State 52, Edward Waters 7
Fourth Quarter
- Jackson State — L. Pryor scored on a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
- Jackson State — J. Smart added a 7-yard rushing touchdown.
- Edward Waters — T. Morrison scored on a 29-yard rushing touchdown.
Final: Jackson State 66, Edward Waters 14
Defensive Statement
Jackson State’s defense complemented the offensive explosion with another strong showing.
Keith Bass Jr. led the Tigers with six tackles, while J. Foster recorded 1.5 sacks.
The Tigers also scored defensively when C.J. Tolbert III recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, adding another highlight to an already dominant night.
Edward Waters quarterback Tavion Faulk finished with 11 completions on 26 attempts for 157 yards.
By the Numbers
Jackson State finished the night with a staggering 704 yards of total offense, while Edward Waters managed 231 yards.
The Tigers also recorded 32 first downs and converted 9 of 11 third-down opportunities, showing how thoroughly they controlled the game offensively.
Jackson State Individual Leaders
Passing
- Jared Lockhart — 17/25, 388 yards, 4 TD
Rushing
- Nate Blount IV — 13 carries, 67 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
- Nate Rembert — 4 receptions, 179 yards
Defense
- Keith Bass Jr. — 6 tackles
- J. Foster — 1.5 sacks
- C.J. Tolbert III — fumble recovery TD
Edward Waters Leaders
Passing
- Tavion Faulk — 11/26, 157 yards
Receiving
- Izaiah Jean-Baptiste — 4 receptions, 64 yards
Scoring
- D. McCarthy — 52-yard interception return TD
- T. Morrison — 29-yard rushing TD
Jackson State Sends an Early Message
The Tigers’ 66-14 victory represents a major early-season statement.
After surviving Tennessee State in Week 1, Jackson State responded by completely taking control against Edward Waters. Lockhart’s 388-yard passing performance, Rembert’s explosive receiving night and a defense that produced a touchdown gave head coach T.C. Taylor plenty to build on.
Jackson State is now 2-0 and has scored 92 points through its first two games.
The Tigers will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup as they continue their 2026 campaign.
Final: Jackson State 66, Edward Waters 14.
