Jackson State University Men's Football

One of the most accomplished players in Jackson State football history, T.C. Taylor has risen to lead his alma mater as the 22nd Head Coach of the Tigers. A former JSU quarterback and record-setting wide receiver, Taylor officially took over the program following the 2022 Celebration Bowl and has quickly cemented his legacy as a transformative leader. Taylor has been an integral part of Jackson State’s football resurgence since joining the staff in 2019. He coached tight ends and wide receivers during an era that saw the Tigers post a dominant 23-3 record from 2021-22, including back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles and undefeated regular seasons. In his second season as head coach in 2024, Taylor led the Tigers to a 12-2 record and captured the HBCU National Championship with a commanding 28–7 win over South Carolina State in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Under his leadership, JSU claimed the SWAC East Division and SWAC Championship titles, with running back Irv Mulligan earning SWAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. That season, the Tigers produced 32 All-Conference selections (SWAC and Phil Steele), 15 All-Americans, and 8 postseason all-star participants. Taylor was named HBCU Legends Coach of the Year and earned widespread postseason recognition for his accomplishments. Taylor’s teams have also stood out statistically. In 2024, JSU ranked in the top 10 nationally in several NCAA categories, including red zone offense (2nd), team defense (4th), scoring offense (5th), and scoring defense (6th). The Tigers finished the season ranked in over 30 key statistical categories, demonstrating elite performance on both sides of the ball. Last season (2025), Taylor guided the Tigers to the 2025 SWAC East Division Championship; while the team was ranked among the best nationally in rushing offense (254.9 ypg), total offense (459.9 ypg), and passing yards per completion (14.06). In his debut season as head coach (2023), Taylor guided Jackson State to a second-place finish in the SWAC East Division. The Tigers led the conference in total offense (389.4 ypg) and finished top three in both rushing and passing, while also ranking among the SWAC’s best in total defense and scoring. As an assistant coach, Taylor played a pivotal role in developing one of the most explosive wide receiver units in the conference. From 2021-22, he coached standouts such as Malachi Wideman, Keith Corbin, Dallas Daniels, and Shane Hooks - several of whom earned All-SWAC and All-American honors. During the abbreviated Spring 2021 season, Daylen Baldwin led the SWAC in receiving yards (540) and touchdowns (7). Prior to the 2022 season, Taylor was selected for the prestigious NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Tennessee Titans. A native of McComb, Mississippi, Taylor enjoyed a stellar playing career at Jackson State from 1998 to 2001. After beginning as a quarterback, he transitioned to wide receiver, where he set the JSU single-season record with 84 receptions for 1,234 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2001. He earned NCAA Division I-AA Third-Team All-America honors from The Sports Network and First-Team Black College All-America recognition from Sheridan Broadcasting. He was also the runner-up for the 2001 Conerly Trophy, awarded to Mississippi’s top college football player, finishing behind Eli Manning. Following his playing career at JSU, Taylor signed with the New England Patriots as a rookie free agent in 2002. He went on to win a World Bowl championship with the Frankfurt Galaxy in NFL Europe and participated in the 2003 preseason with the Detroit Lions before an injury ended his professional playing career.

Ariona Thornton begins her second year at Jackson State as the Head Football Athletic Trainer after joining the program in 2024. She arrived at Jackson State from Vanderbilt where she served as an athletic trainer with cross country/track and field and as a field term professional. While there, she served as a preceptor for students and was the liaison for visiting teams at home football games. She served as a wellness team member with Sports Nutrition along with Sports Mental Health and Performances departments. Thornton also assisted with creating, maintaining, and updating EAP and return to play protocols, while also assisting the administration program, pre-participating physicals, echocardiograms, and drug-testing programs. She also assisted with documenting and monitoring injuries in RedCap, Epic, and Smartabase. Prior to her time at Vanderbilt, Thornton interned with the Miami Dolphins during the 2023 Training Camp. She also served as a graduate assistant at two years working with women's basketball and football at Arkansas State. Thornton also gained clinical experience at Delaware (2016-21) and Alabama (2020).    Thornton received her bachelor degree in Athletic Training from Delaware in 2021, with a minor in Sports & Conditioning. She earned her Master of Science in Sports Administration frm Arkansas State in 2023.  

Otis Riddley, now in his seventh season with Jackson State Football, serves as the program’s Associate Head Coach, General Manager, and Tight Ends Coach. Recognized as one of the key architects of the Tigers’ modern era success, Riddley has played a critical role in the program’s resurgence—spearheading roster construction, player development strategies, and operational efficiency with a blend of innovation and seasoned leadership. Since arriving at JSU in 2019, Riddley has helped build one of the premier programs in HBCU football. The Tigers have compiled a 35–9 SWAC conference record, including three undefeated conference seasons (2021, 2022, 2024), and captured three SWAC Championships. His direction as General Manager has elevated the program’s internal infrastructure, established a national recruiting footprint, and positioned JSU as a perennial contender. Under his guidance, Jackson State has produced top-rated HBCU recruiting classes year after year. In 2024, his tight end unit contributed 18 receptions for 257 yards and three touchdowns, helping fuel an offense that ranked 2nd in red zone offense, 3rd in winning percentage, and 5th in scoring offense nationally. Last season, the tight ends contributed 19 receptions for 191 yards and one touchdown. Riddley previously served as Director of Player Personnel for three seasons, after coaching the offensive line in 2019. That year, his offensive line unit led a dramatic improvement, boosting JSU’s national offensive rankings by more than 50 spots in both total and rushing offense. He also coached the program’s first All-SWAC offensive lineman since 2014. Before JSU, Riddley made his mark at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where he developed two MACCC Offensive Line MVPs, an NJCAA All-American, and earned MACCC Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2018. A respected figure in scouting circles, Riddley was selected for the prestigious Bill Nunn Scouting Fellowship with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, further highlighting his expertise in talent evaluation and personnel strategy. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Riddley spent eight seasons in the Mississippi high school ranks prior to his college coaching career, where he developed 11 offensive linemen who signed with Division I programs, along with multiple Parade and Under Armour All-Americans. As a player, Riddley was a standout offensive lineman at Mississippi State University, earning Sporting News All-SEC Freshman Team honors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from MSU and a master’s degree from Belhaven University. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Riddley is married to Candace Riddley, and they have one son, Quentin.  

Breeland Speaks joins the Jackson State football staff for the 2026 season. Speaks was drafted 46th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by Kansas City and was a member of the 2019 Super Bowl champions. During his time with the Chiefs, he contributed to the defensive line rotation and developed NFL-level technique and film study habits. He was a member of the practice squad for five different teams in the NFL, including Las Vegas (2020), Dallas (2020 and 2021), Buffalo (2021), San Francisco (2023), and Jacksonville (2024). He joined the Michigan Panthers of the USFL in 2023, leading the league in sacks with nine. He was an All-USFL selection and was recognized as a Top-10 player in the league, while also being named a team captain. Speaks moved with the Panthers to the UFL in 2024, and was named the UFL Defensive Player of the Year and was a member of the All-UFL Team. That same season, Speaks led the league in sacks with 9.5. Before his time as a professional, Speaks was an All-SEC Second Team selection in 2017 at Ole Miss. Speaks served as the defensive line coach for the 2025 season as the defensive line coach, evaluating film breakdown analyzing player performance, and collaborated with the coaching staff to analyze opponent tendencies.  A native of Jackson, Speaks played high school football at Callaway High School, where he was named the Class 5A Player of the Year (2013) and was selected as a member of the Dandy Dozen. He was a two-time All-State selection (2012, 2013), and was a three-time All-Metro selection (2011-13). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Ole Miss in 2018.

Dominique Jasmin-Pasley assumed the role of Assistant Athletics Director for Internal Operations at Jackson State University in August 2021. In her role, Jasmin-Pasley is tasked with supporting all aspects of equipment operations for all of Jackson State’s athletics teams, including administering equipment, acquisition, accountability of inventory, storage, customer service and distribution. She oversees the preparation and planning of equipment and laundry operations prior to the start of each season or event and she monitors operating expenses, including team equipment procurement, laundry, equipment maintenance and repair. She ensures compliance with NCAA rules pertaining to the operation of equipment. Prior to joining JSU’s staff, Jasmin-Pasley served as Athletics Equipment Manager at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Tex. from 2017 until her appointment at Jackson State. There, she managed equipment orders for the program’s 18 teams, and she supervised a team of student equipment managers. Additionally, she organized the logistics for travel for the Panthers’ football team. Jasmin-Pasley began work in the field of athletics equipment while matriculating at Prairie View A&M, working as a Student Equipment Manager for the program from 2014 to 2015 and then as Graduate Assistant Equipment Manager from 2015 to 2017. While at PVAMU, she also served as Head Student Athletics Trainer from 2010-2015. Prior to receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Health (May 2015) and a Master of Education degree in Health (May 2017), Jasmin-Pasley received several honors as a student, including Most Outstanding Equipment Manager (2016), Unsung Hero (2015) and Most Outstanding Athletics Trainer (2012 and 2015). Jasmin-Pasley and her husband Jarett are the proud parents of one daughter, Nyla Pasley.  

Mark Kangar, currently serving as the Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Medicine at Jackson State University, has been an integral part of Jackson State athletics since 2015. In his role, Mark manages the administrative and regulatory aspects of the eighteen athletic teams, ensuring these teams follow NCAA and SWAC guidelines pertaining to Sports Medicine.   His daily responsibilities include managing student trainers, coordinating treatment and rehabilitation, and organizing educational and counseling programs for the mental well-being of student-athletes. Kangar’s role as the liaison to the team’s physicians ensures the student-athletes’ well-being, and his proven results are a testament to his effective communication and collaboration skills. He has developed a sports program dedicated to detail, contributing to the championship-winning Athletic program. His educational background, professional certifications, and practical experience are the pillars of his expertise and commitment to sports medicine. He holds a bachelor’s in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation (‘04) a master’s in Education, concentration in Health, from Jackson State University (‘10), and an EMT Certification from Hinds Community College (‘15), while also receiving an Emergency Care in Athletics Certificate from Louisiana State University(‘18).  His practical experience, which includes three NFL internships, two with the Tennessee Titans and one with the Minnesota Vikings, is a testament to his hands-on skills. This, along with his active membership in professional organizations in sports medicine, including the American College of Sports Medicine, demonstrates his dedication and involvement in the field, instilling confidence in his expertise. Kangar’s unwavering commitment to his work is displayed in his motto, “Going after greatness, striving for perfection.” His dedication, empathy, and most importantly, his passion for sports medicine are professional and personal qualities that drive his success. His dedication to his work is not just a job, but a calling. His empathy allows him to connect with student-athletes, understand their hardships, and help them overcome challenges; while his passion for sports medicine fuels his drive for excellence, pushing him to constantly improve and innovate.  Kangar is an active member in his community, annually hosts back-to-school backpack giveaways, and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. His community involvement is not just a reflection of his values but also enriches his professional work, providing him with a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of student-athletes’ needs.   

Khayla Pridgen joined the Jackson State University Athletics staff in June 2024 as the Director of Football Academics and was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Academics in February 2025. Pridgen’s primary responsibility is to provide leadership and oversight of academic services for all JSU athletics teams, including the Tiger Center. Her focus is to collaborate closely with university partners and stakeholders to ensure alignment with campus best practices and help JSU student-athletes graduate with a meaningful degree. In her role, she also directly advises and coordinates academic services for football, baseball, and support staff students as their academic advisor. She came to JSU after serving as academic counselor for football at Auburn University. While at Auburn, she was responsible for coordinating academic services, assisting in summer bridge programming, and overseeing academic onboarding for football student-athletes. Before advising football, Pridgen served as the counselor for Equestrian and Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving. Before Auburn, Pridgen served in a dual role as Student-Athlete Development Graduate Assistant and Assistant Academic Counselor at the University of Louisville. In this role, she advised a caseload of students from lacrosse, men’s basketball, rowing, and track & field, while also assisting in the creation and facilitation of student-athlete development programming. A native of Columbus (Ga.), Pridgen earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Sport Communication from Clemson University in 2019, and her master’s degree in Sport Administration from the University of Louisville in 2021. Pridgen is a member of the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A), Women Leaders in Sports, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  

Jordan Williams begins her third year as as assistant in the Internal Operations of Jackson State athletics, joining the staff in August 2023. In her role, she assists with coordinating practice and game day set up, equipment, and team travel. She also assists in equipment distribution, fitting, equipment decal, as well as maintenance and repair of equipment. Williams plays a part in the daily operation and function of the athletic equipment room, while providing work direction to student workers in the department. Williams also helps with storing and packing equipment, inventory management, and control. Prior to her time at Jackson State, she served as a sales associate for Under Armour and was a graduate assistant (equipment) at Arkansas State. She has also served on the NFL Reese's Senior Bowl equipment staff.  Williams graduated Magna Cum Laude from Alcorn State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology Pre-Physical Therapy in 2021. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Science degree in Sports Management at Jackson State.  

A recent addition to the Jackson State University Division of Athletics staff, Kiasha Trammell became the program’s Director of Football Operations in March 2024. She was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations in 2025. As Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations, Trammell serves as the primary point of contact for all administrative matters pertaining to the Tigers’ football program, including coordination of game schedules, practice times, travel arrangements, recruitment, and training of in-house game day staff. She manages all logistical aspects of game day operations, including stadium setup and game timing, as well as coordination with game officials and opposing teams. Prior to arriving at Jackson State, Trammell served as Assistant Equipment Manager for the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL from January 2023 to March 2023. In that role, she assisted the head manager with equipment fittings for players, distribution of equipment to players, coaches, and support staff, and with inventory, From March 2022 to December 2022, Trammell was the Director of Equipment Operations at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., where she oversaw and coordinated all aspects of the athletics equipment room for 14 varsity sports. She was responsible for directing inventory controls and security of all equipment and working with the head football coach in researching, choosing, ordering, inventory, and properly maintaining helmets, apparel, and gear. Trammel performed similar duties while working as Assistant Equipment Manager/Equipment Services at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, Ark. (July 2021-December 2021). Prior to that, she was a Student Assistant and later a Graduate Assistant for Equipment Services for the UAPB Golden Lions, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Wellness in 2020 and later a Master of Science degree in Secondary Education/Physical Education/Non-Teaching in 2022. Trammell, who is officially certified by the Athletics Equipment Managers Association, is the founder and CEO of Karing 4 Youth Foundation, Inc. She has been an active participant in the NFL Women’s Forum (2022 and 2023) and the HBCU NFL Careers in Football Forum (2019).  

Theren Uptigrow joins the Jackson State staff as the Director of Football Sports Performance for the 2026 season. Uptigrow comes to Jackson State after serving last season as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Florida Atlantic where he designed and implemented strength, speed, and mobility programs tailored to quarterback performance and athletic output. He also collaborated with athletic trainers to create training plans emphasizing injury prevention. While serving in his role at FAU, Uptigrow took part in the NFL Fellows program with the Los Angeles Rams (July 2025-August 2025) where he supported daily training operations including data tracking, hydration management, warm-up facilitation, and post-practice recovery protocols; while also collaborating with the professional performance staff to implement evidence-based strength, speed, and recovery programs that enhanced athletic development and reduced injury risk. Prior to him time at Florida Atlantic, he served as the Director of Olympic Sports Performance at South Carolina State (June 2023-December 2024) where he directed strength and conditioning for women’s volleyball, women’s basketball, women’s soccer, and developmental football. He also served in the role of Director of Strength and Conditoning at Allen (May 2022-May 2023), Battalion Lead Strength and Conditioning coach for Fort Bragg 2nd Brigade Combate Team (December 2021-May 2022), Director of Strength and Conditioning at Mississippi Valley State (August 2021-November 2021), Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach at Western Kentucky (June 2021-August 2021), and Strength and Conditioning intern at South Carolina State (October 2018-May 2020). Uptigrow earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from South Carolina State, and earned his Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine.  

Austin Robinson is entering his third season with the Jackson State University football program, currently serving as the Video and Creative Director. Since accepting the role in February 2023, Robinson has become a cornerstone of the Tigers’ operational efforts, bridging the gap between high-level technical film analysis and cutting-edge digital storytelling. He initially joined the program as a volunteer during the 2022 campaign, where he immediately proved his value by collaborating with university administration to spearhead a national Heisman trophy campaign for former standout quarterback Shedeur Sanders. In his current leadership capacity, Robinson oversees a diverse department that balances the immediate needs of the coaching staff with the long-term branding goals of the university. He is responsible for coordinating all aspects of film exchange and managing the specialized crews that capture every practice and game to provide vital tactical evidence for weekly scouting reports. Simultaneously, Robinson directs the program’s creative output and manages a student-led creative team, empowering the next generation of content creators to shape an authentic and modern image for Jackson State Football across all digital platforms. A native of Florence, Mississippi, Robinson earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Mississippi State University in 2016. Before transitioning to athletics, he spent six years in the architecture field handling high-stakes assignments for the Department of Defense, NASA, and the Department of Homeland Security. His experience renovating technical plans for lab incubators and hangars, as well as designing military base facilities, provided a foundation in precision and project management that now drives his innovative work in sports media and football operations.  

Torenzo Quinn was named the defensive coordinator after serving as the defensive backs coach / passing game coordinator in 2023.  Last season, he led a Jackson State defense that was ranked nationally in several categories including fumbles recovered (12th), rushing defense (12th), scoring defense (12th), first downs defense (16th), third down conversion percentage defense (16th), total defense (17th), defensive touchdowns (24th), red zone defense (25th), turnovers gained (34th), and team tackles for loss (36th). He also had the SWAC Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Year, Quincy Ivory and three other all-conference selections in 2025. In 2024, Quinn led a defense that finished the season with eight all-conference selections and an All-American in Jeremiah Williams. The Tigers finished the year ranked in several categories including team passing efficiency defense (third), team defense (fourth), scoring defense (sixth), third down conversion percentage defense (seventh), passing yards allowed (ninth), passes intercepted (12th), rushing defense (13th), team tackles for loss (17th), turnovers gained (18th), team sacks (18th), sacks allowed (31st), fumbles recovered (35th), first downs defense (40th), and turnover margin (45th). During his first season at Jackson State (2023), the team led the country in interceptions at the end of the regular season with 17. Quinn was the safeties coach at Alcorn in 2022, where the Braves secondary got stronger as the year went on, registering at least one interception in seven of the final nine games. Prior to Alcorn, Quinn spent one year as offensive coordinator at Mississippi Delta Community College. Prior to joining the MDCC staff, Quinn spent two seasons at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in several roles, including coaching the safeties and defensive backs and serving as the Assistant Head Coach and defensive passing game coordinator. While at UAPB,  he guided the emergence of Shawn Steele into one of the SWAC’s top defensive backs. In 2019, Steele was tied for sixth in the SWAC in interceptions (three) and tied for the league lead in pass breakups with 18. Also, in 2019, Blake Conner led the team in both solo tackles (43) and total tackles (77) while also recording two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Before UAPB, Quinn spent the 2016 season as a graduate assistant with the Alcorn State University football team, working primarily with the cornerbacks. In 2017 he was in charge of overseeing the defensive backs unit. As a graduate assistant, Quinn was part of a defensive staff that saw Alcorn rank 1st in the conference in fewest pass completions. The Braves were also #2 in total defense in the league, en route to its third consecutive SWAC East Division title. Prior to Alcorn, Coach Quinn was the offensive coordinator at Ruleville Central High School in Ruleville, Mississippi, for three seasons. Quinn is a 2010 graduate of the University of Memphis where he earned a degree in liberal studies. He played defensive back at Memphis and was a two-year starter at nickel back. He went on to earn his master’s degree in athletic coaching from North Central University in 2016.  

Eric Gallon enters his third season after he returned to Jackson State last season (2024) as the running back coach after a brief stint with the Tigers in 2020, where he also coached running backs along with tight ends.  In 2024, Gallon led an offensive attack led by SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Irv Mulligan, who recorded a 1,000-yard season. The Tigers finished the season 3,154 rushing yards where Gallon led nine different running backs with rushing yards. The Tigers finished finished the year ranked in several categories including red zone offense (second), fourth down conversion percentage (fourth), scoring offense (fifth), rushing offense (eighth), first downs offense (16th), total offense (34th), and third down conversion percentage (38th). He added another 1,000 yard rusher in Ahmad Miller last season, with his running backs gaining 2,447 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. Prior to his return to JSU, the Lakeland, Florida, native served as tight ends coach for the North Carolina A&T Aggies during the 2023 season.  Before arriving at NCAT, Gallon coached at Robert Morris University, where he started as a tight ends coach. He was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Colonials’ 2022 season. Gallon spent time as the assistant head coach, running backs coach, and recruiting coordinator at Brevard College starting in 2017. Beginning in 2015, Gallon joined the Tennessee State staff (2015-16), serving as the program’s running backs coach. He was also the lead housing liaison between the university and the athletics department. Gallon also had the role of summer camp and clinic director, including the Little Tigers Youth Camp, a one-day showcase in Memphis and Nashville. Gallon’s running backs averaged 123.4 yards per game, totaling 1,860 rushing yards. Gallon also served as the running backs coach at Youngstown State (2013-15). During his first season, Gallon coached Missouri Valley Football Conference newcomer and freshman of the year Martin Ruiz. He was also a Jerry Rice Award finalist after rushing for 1,094 yards and 15 touchdowns on 192 carries, including four 100-yard performances. Ruiz was one of only three players in NCAA Division I-FCS football to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 2013, joining Appalachian State’s Marcus Cox and A&T’s Tarik Cohen. In 2014, Ruiz rushed 1,325 yards and 10 touchdowns on 265 carries, earning second-team All-MVFC honors. Ruiz formed a lethal combination at Youngstown State with Jody Webb. In 2013, Webb averaged 7.2 yards per carry on 48 attempts. In addition, Adaris Bellamy had a game where he rushed for more than 200 yards. During Webb’s second season, he rushed for 715 yards and nine touchdowns on 103 carries.  Before coaching on the collegiate level, Gallon served as the head coach at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland, Fla. Gallon worked as the Eagles head coach in 2012 after spending the previous four seasons as the offensive coordinator on the staff. Gallon played collegiately at Kansas State as a running back for head coach Bill Snyder (1989-92). A three-time letterwinner (1989, ‘91 and ‘92),Gallon served as the team captain in 1992. During his Wildcat career, he rushed for 1,960 yards on 447 carries, totaling 2,476 all-purpose yards. Five of his seven career 100-yard rushing games came during his junior season. Gallon had a brief NFL career with the New England Patriots. He then returned to his home state of Florida, where he spent time working with at-risk youths before coaching at the high school level. He was the founder, President and CEO of Global Youth Services (2004-12), located in Tampa, Fla. Before starting his own company; Gallon spent 11 years with Correctional Services Corporation. After serving as a program and regional director, Gallon served as the vice president of operations in the juvenile division. A graduate of Kathleen High School in Lakeland, where he starred as a basketball and football player, Gallon earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Kansas State in 1999.    

One of the new additions to the Jackson State University Division of Athletics staff, Javancy Jones was hired two seasons ago to assist the Tigers’ football team as Special Teams Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach. Last season, Jones helped lead a defense that was ranked nationally in several categories including fumbles recovered (12th), rushing defense (12th), scoring defense (12th), first downs defense (16th), third down conversion percentage defense (16th), total defense (17th), defensive touchdowns (24th), red zone defense (25th), turnovers gained (34th), and team tackles for loss (36th). He also had the SWAC Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Year, Quincy Ivory at defensive end last season. In 2024, Jones led a ressurection of the Tigers’ special teams as he led a unit that produced one of the nation’s leading kick returners in Travis Terrell, placekickers in Gerardo Baeza, and punters in Matt Noll. The trio earned all-conference honors with Terrell and Baeza earning All-American honors during the season. As a unit, the Tigers finished ranked nationally in blocked punts (ninth), punt returns (ninth), blocked kicks (22nd), net punting (41st), and kickoff return defense (44th). He also coached a defense that finished ranked nationally in team passing efficiency defense (third), team defense (fourth), scoring defense (sixth), third down conversion percentage defense (seventh), passing yards allowed (ninth), passes intercepted (12th), rushing defense (13th), team tackles for loss (17th), turnovers gained (18th), team sacks (18th), sacks allowed (31st), fumbles recovered (35th), first downs defense (40th), and turnover margin (45th). Prior to joining the Jackson State football staff, Jones served as Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator at Louisville High School in Louisville, Miss., where the team compiled an impressive cumulative record of 52-5 during his four seasons with the program from 2020-23. The program also posted a 17-1 playoff record, tied the school record with eight shutouts in 2022, won the North Half Championship and the District Championship in 2020, 2022 and 2023, had 19 total shutouts during that span, and yielded less than 10 points in 34 games. Jones was tabbed Defensive Coordinator for the Magnolia Bowl in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Jones also served as Head Football Coach at Eiland Middle School in Louisville, Miss. for the 2019-23 seasons. His eighth-grade team went 27-8 with him at the helm, while his seventh-grade team was 31-4. He produced two eighth grade All-Americans, two conference MVPs and five All-State selections. Three of his players would go on to receive NCAA Division I offers, those coming from Jackson State, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Jones’ coaching career began at Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss., where he served as Linebackers Coach and Head Junior Varsity Coach during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. He led the team to an 11-4 overall record while producing two first team All-State selections, one second team All-State selection and one Bernard Blackwell North/South All-Star selection. A native of Noxubee County and the son of London and the late Kristine Jones, Jones was a star football player as a high schooler, leading his team to a perfect 16-0 record and a 4A championship his senior season. He became a Jackson State Tiger in 2013. Jones began and ended his college career at Jackson State in phenomenal fashion, reaping SWAC and Jet Magazine Freshman of the Year Honors in 2013, earning first team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference and FCA All-America honors four times, and being tabbed Jackson State Defensive MVP and Team MVP in 2014, 2015 and 2016. He was a Conerly Award finalist in 2015 and 2016 and a finalist for the Doris and Eddie Robinson Scholar Athlete Award in 2014 and 2015. Jones earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 2017 and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management in 2019, both at Jackson State. He was an East/West Shrine All-Star selection in 2017 and signed with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League later that spring.  

Rip Kirk enters his fourth season on the Jackson State football staff, and his third as the quarterbacks coach after spending his first year as an offensive analyst. Last season, Kirk led an offense that featured a pair of quarterbacks in JaCobian Morgan and SWAC co-Freshman of the Year Jared Lockhart. The duo threw for 2,374 yards (both passing for 1,187 yards) and a combined 19 touchdowns, with Morgan earning second team all-conference honors despite his injury halfway through the season. He helped lead an offense as co-offensive coordinator that finished fourth down conversion percentage (second), rushing offense (third), total offense (fifth), third conversion percentage (seventh), passes yards per completion (10th), sacks allowed (10th), team passing efficiency (19th), first downs offense (21st), scoring offense (23rd), and completion percentage (49th). The offense had six players selected to the all-conference team last season, including three on the first team. Kirk led a Jackson State offense orchestrated by returning Cricket Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP Morgan who led Jackson State with 2,236 yards passing as he finished 163-for-256 with 21 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. The then-junior quarterback also earned all-conference honors with those numbers. Meanwhile, the Tigers finished ranked nationally in red zone offense (second), winning percentage (third), fourth down conversion percentage (fourth), scoring offense (fifth), rushing offense (eighth), passing yards per completion (ninth), team passing efficiency (12th), first downs offense (16th), sacks allowed (31st), total offense (34th), and third down conversion percentage (38th). Prior to his arrival at Jackson State, Kirk served as an offensive graduate assistant at Troy University working with quarterbacks. The Trojans went 12-2 during the 2022 season averaging 25.57 points per game during his tenure. Kirk also worked with starting quarterback Gunnar Watson, who threw for 2,818 yards and 14 touchdowns with a 61.49 completion percentage.  Before Troy University, Kirk spent the 2021 season working with wide receivers as an offensive graduate assistant. In that season, Tyrese Chambers led the team in receptions with 1,074 yards and nine touchdowns on 45 catches. Kirk served as quarterbacks coach at Starkville High School during the 2020 season, where he coached an Under Armour All-American, Dandy Dozen, and current University of Illinois quarterback in Luke Altmyer.  Kirk was a signal caller for Mississippi State University for two seasons, earning a scholarship after his junior season. He earned Academic All-SEC honors and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Science. After graduating, he became an offensive student assistant for the 2019 season. He also earned an associate’s degree at Itawamba Community College.   

Vincent Marshall is in his second season for the wide receivers on the Jackson State University football staff in Fall 2024, after spending the previous three years at Norfolk State University, where he was wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator. Last season, Marshall coached wide receiver Nate Rembert (selected for all-conference) and Ja’Naylon Dupree (UDFA with Cleveland), who along with Jameel Gardner Jr. combined for 108 receptions. The trio racked up 1,742 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025 leading an offense that finished fifth in total offense in the nation. In 2024, the Tigers receiving corps registered 147 receptions last season. Meanwhile, the Tigers finished the year ranked nationally in several categories including red zone offense (second), winning percentage (third), fourth down conversion percentage (fourth), scoring offense (fifth), rushing offense (eighth), passing yards per completion (ninth), team passing efficiency (12th), first downs offense (16th), sacks allowed (31st), total offense (34th), and third down conversion percentage (38th). Marshall’s first year with Norfolk State featured a high-powered offense. The passing game was a key component of that unit, as the Spartans ranked second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in passing offense. Wideout Justin Smith earned first-team All-MEAC honors after ranking second in the conference in both receptions and yards receiving. Marshall came to NSU after spending one year as receivers coach at Southern University. While with the Jaguars, Southern ranked ninth in the FCS in yards per completion and 39th in passing offense during the abbreviated 2021 spring season. Southern finished the season with a 5-1 record and ranked No. 20 in the final FCS Coaches Poll. Previously, Marshall had stints as running backs coach at Missouri Southern State University, as a recruiting analyst for his alma mater, the University of Houston, and as offensive quality control coach at Syracuse University in 2016. Marshall’s first stop at the Division I level came as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. He worked with the Falcons’ receivers in 2014 and running backs in 2015. Bowling Green made two bowl appearances, won two Missouri Athletic Conference (MAC) divisional titles and won the 2015 MAC championship during his tenure. At Bowling Green, he helped tutor first-team All-MAC performer Travis Greene, who rushed for nearly 1,300 yards and played in the 2016 NFLPA All-Star Game. He also coached a 1,000-yard receiver, Roger Lewis, in 2014. Marshall entered the coaching ranks as an assistant secondary coach at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. He worked as the secondary coach at Seguin High School in Texas the following year. Marshall played collegiately at the University of Houston. He joined the team as a walk-on in 2002, and one year later, set school bowl records for receptions (seven) and receiving yards (157) against the University of Hawaii in the 2003 Hawaii Bowl. He was a two-time All-Conference USA selection, earning first-team honors in 2005. In 2006, he was named Conference USA Championship Game MVP and set a Liberty Bowl record with 201 receiving yards.  Marshall graduated as the school’s all-time leader in both receiving yards (3,770) and receptions (272). He ranks second and third, respectively, in those categories to this day. He played in the 2007 Hula Bowl All-Star Game. Following his collegiate career, Marshall signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2007. After his release, he played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League and helped the team capture the 2007 Grey Cup. He signed with the Calgary Stampeders in 2008. Marshall graduated from Houston in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He earned a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Southwestern Assemblies of God in 2012.  

NFL veteran Manny Ramirez begins his third season coaching the offensive line at Jackson State, and second as co-offensive coordinator. Last season, he helped lead an offense as co-offensive coordinator that finished fourth down conversion percentage (second), rushing offense (third), total offense (fifth), third conversion percentage (seventh), passes yards per completion (10th), sacks allowed (10th), team passing efficiency (19th), first downs offense (21st), scoring offense (23rd), and completion percentage (49th). The offense had six players selected all-conference last season, including three on the first team. In 2024, Jackson State finished the year ranked in several categories including red zone offense (second), winning percentage (third), fourth down conversion percentage (fourth), scoring offense (fifth), rushing offense (eighth), passing yards per completion (ninth), team passing efficiency (12th), first downs offense (16th), sacks allowed (31st), total offense (34th), and third down conversion percentage (38th). In just two seasons, he has coached six players to all-conference honors. In his short stint with the TSU Tigers in Houston, Ramirez wasted no time in setting the tone for the line as the unit was one of the most improved areas on the team after his first year. He played a huge part in the ascension of lineman Drake Centers, who became the first TSU lineman to earn All-SWAC honors since 2010. Centers helped anchor an offensive line which helped TSU finish with 4,293 yards of offense while also playing a huge role in helping TSU protect the quarterback as the line ranked fourth in the conference in sacks, marking a huge improvement in that category from the last time TSU played a full season in 2019. The Tigers finished the 2021 season ranked second in total offense, second in rush offense and third in pass offense. Ramirez arrived at Texas Southern in the summer of 2021 with experience across all levels of football. The Houston native had a nine-year NFL career in addition to working both on the college and high school levels in various capacities. Upon retiring from the NFL in 2015, he accepted a position at his alma mater, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Tex., as the football team’s Director of Player Development. He served as the academic liaison for the football staff, where he developed life skills curricula while also coordinating all community service activities. After three seasons at Texas Tech, Ramirez moved to the high school ranks and accepted a position as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for Springlake-Erath High School. After one season at Springlake-Erath, Ramirez moved to Fort Worth, Texas after accepting the position of assistant coach/offensive line at Diamond Hill High School. Before joining the coaching ranks, Ramirez played offensive line for nine seasons in the NFL. He played in 83 games, including 65 starts with both the Detroit Lions (2007-10, 2015) and the Denver Broncos (2011-14). He was the starting center for the duration of legendary quarterback Payton Manning’s career with the organization. Denver totaled 49 wins during Ramirez’ four seasons, which featured four trips to the playoffs and an appearance in Super Bowl XLVIII in 2013. He returned to the Lions in 2015, where he played in all 16 games while making seven starts. The Detroit Lions drafted Ramirez in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft after a stellar four-year career as Texas Tech. His selection marked the first time a Red Raider offensive guard had been drafted since 1973, when Russell Ingram was taken by Atlanta. Prior to joining the NFL, he was a standout offensive lineman at Texas Tech from 2003-06 under Mike Leach. Known for their high-scoring offensive units, Ramirez helped boost a Red Raider offense that regularly ranked among the best in college football. The school record-holder in the bench press, he was an All-Big 12 Conference second team honoree in 2005 and was twice named an honorable mention selection. Ramirez’s final game in a Tech uniform was quite memorable as he was part of a Red Raider offense that overcame a 31-point deficit in the third quarter to top Minnesota in the 2006 Insight Bowl. It remains the largest comeback in bowl history. Ramirez was ranked as a top 100 recruit out of Willowridge High School and an all-district 20- 5A First Teamer. He and his wife, Iris, have three children - Xaigtlean, Jomari and Cade.  

Raekwon Bethea joins the Jackson State football staff in 2026 as the defensive line coach after spending last season at Hampton working with the defensive tackles.  Prior to Hampton, he was at SMU where he worked with the Mustang’s defensive linemen. Bethea tutored Jared-Harrison Hunte (first team) and Elijah Roberts. Both Roberts and Hunte were both invited to the East-West Shrine bowl, also the NFL Combine. He also helped SMU post an 11-3 record with a perfect 8-0 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference. SMU advanced to the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship game, College Football Playoffs for the first time in program history. The 2023 Mustang defense ranked top 25 nationally in ten defensive categories. SMU was ranked 12th in the final Associated Press Poll and was tied for 11th in the Coaches Poll. The native of Gainesville, Fla. graduated from Santa Fe High. Bethea also attended Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College before transferring to Albany State. Bethea spent the 2020-21 seasons as the assistant defensive line coach at Albany State. Before moving to Western Kentucky in 2022 as the defensive line graduate assistant. Bethea also was on the staff at Coastal Carolina as a graduate assistant for eight months, before moving on to Kentucky where he was a volunteer assistant for one season. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance from Albany State in 2020.  

Justin Sanders joined the Jackson State coaching staff for his first season in 2025, coming to the Tigers after two years coaching safeties at Charlotte. Last season, he helped lead a Jackson State defense that was ranked nationally in several categories including fumbles recovered (12th), rushing defense (12th), scoring defense (12th), first downs defense (16th), third down conversion percentage defense (16th), total defense (17th), defensive touchdowns (24th), red zone defense (25th), turnovers gained (34th), and team tackles for loss (36th). He also had the SWAC Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Year, Quincy Ivory and three other all-conference selections in 2025. Prior to Charlotte, Sanders spent four years as the defensive backs coach at Texas Southern University following a three-year stint at back-to-back National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Champion East Mississippi Community College.Sanders has been effective in coaching a ball-hawking defense. At TSU, Sanders’ defensive backs led the Southwestern Athletic Conference with 17 interceptions, four of which were returned for touchdowns. The Tigers added 33 pass break ups. In 2021, TSU had 10 picks and 43 break ups. In his first season, the secondary also registered 43. Sanders went to TSU after spending three seasons as a secondary coach and special teams coordinator at nationally-acclaimed junior college power East Mississippi Community College from 2016-18. EMCC won back-to-back NJCAA National Championships and three consecutive MACJC State Championships during his tenure. EMCC went 33-2 during his time there and owned the top-ranked scoring defense in the country in 2018. Before joining the staff at East Mississippi, Sanders was a graduate assistant in the secondary at Texas A&M during a pair of eight-win seasons and back-to-back bowl game appearances in 2014-15. At Texas A&M, he coached NFL safeties Justin Evans (New Orleans Saints) and Donovan Wilson (Dallas Cowboys). Before his stint in College Station, Texas, Sanders began his collegiate coaching career at North Carolina in 2012-13.  He spent two years as a defensive graduate assistant for the Tar Heels and helped mentor 2014 NFL Draft selections Tre Boston and Jabari Price of the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings, respectively.  Sanders was also a part of UNC’s 2013 Belk Bowl-winning team. A native of Pearl, Miss., Sanders started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Quitman (Miss.) High School from 2008-11. He served as defensive coordinator at Richland (Miss.) High School in 2011-12. Sanders starred at Illinois and was a part of the team’s 2007 Rose Bowl squad that had an impressive turnaround to finish 9-4 and post a win over No. 1-ranked Ohio State. He had 57 tackles, including 4.0 TFL, eight PBU and three forced fumbles. He would go on to sign a free-agent contract with the NFL’s Detroit Lions in 2008. He attended Northeast Mississippi CC and was named the 2005 MACJC North Division’s Defensive Back MVP after helping the NEMCC Tigers to a 7-2 record, a postseason bowl appearance, and a No. 15 final NJCAA ranking.  Sanders, a 2008 graduate of Illinois with a degree in Mathematics, and his wife, Ravonda, have a daughter, Journee, and a son, Jackson.  

Joining the Tigers in 2023, Kaleb Graham is entering his fourth season coaching, this time coaching the tight ends for the 2026 season.  In 2025, Graham assisted in coaching the offensive line for the second straight year. The Tigers had one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the nation and once again several All-SWAC Offensive Linemen. In 2024, he made the transition to assisting in coaching the offensive line. The Tigers went on to a championship season and a Celebration Bowl victory while being powered behind the Offensive Line. The Offensive Line had several selected as All-SWAC. In 2023, Graham began his coaching career as the assistant tight ends coach, and took part in coaching All-SWAC selection, DJ Stevens. Graham is a graduate of Jacksonville State University. During his time at Jax State, Kaleb’s career was halted due to medical retirement. Despite medical retirement, Kaleb was still a part of a conference winning team in Jacksonville (Ala.). Prior to transferring to Jacksonville State, he signed with Jackson State out of high school, and started as a true freshman on the offensive line. He was part of a program that brought a SWAC championship back to Jackson State football, ending a 14-year drought.  Graham is a Jackson native who graduated from Terry High School. 

Bobby Mitchell III enters his third season at Jackson State, and second as an offensive analyst after working with the tight ends last season. He is also the video coordinator for the program.  He spent the previous season as an assistant offensive line coach, where he coached two All-SWAC players in Deontae Graham (1st team) and Evan Henry (2nd team). Mitchell arrived at JSU after spending the 2022 season at the University of Central Missouri, where he served as an assistant running backs coach. Prior to his time at UCM, the Brandon native spent some time at East Central Oklahoma University as a graduate assistant working with quarterbacks.  Before going to East Central Oklahoma, he served as a graduate assistant coaching running backs at his alma mater, Bethel University during the 2021 season. He helped the Royals to an 8-3 record. The starting running back Bryce Kunkle ran for 879 yards and 11 touchdowns. Mitchell received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a minor in Health from Bethel University in 2020. He played running back for Bethel University and Mississippi College. He is currently working on his master’s in Business Administration at JSU.  

Jack Nance joined the Jackson State University football staff in 2025 as a Football Analyst specializing in linebackers, bringing experience coaching multiple defensive position groups and a proven track record in recruiting, player development, and football operations.  He also serves as the Director of Player Personnel in 2026. Nance previously served as a Graduate Assistant at Texas Southern University, coaching defensive backs and defensive linemen. He managed scout team operations, opponent scouting, offensive tendency breakdowns, and practice scheduling, contributing to First Team All-SWAC cornerback Mikado Hinson’s development and a special teams unit ranked No. 1 in the SWAC and No. 24 nationally in FCS kickoff returns. In recruiting, Nance evaluated high school, junior college, and transfer portal talent, maintained the defensive recruiting board, and helped secure a 2025 recruiting class ranked No. 2 in the SWAC, focusing on Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. Beyond coaching, Nance served as TSU’s on-campus summer housing director, overseeing football player housing and coordinating daily operations with the residential director. A Houston native and Clear Lake High School graduate, Nance was a standout at Texas Southern Universitiy, earning four Phil Steele All-SWAC selections, serving as a one-time team captain and two-time leadership council member, and receiving five varsity letters in football and two in track and field. Academically, he earned Academic All-SWAC, SWAC Commissioner’s List, and Dean’s List honors. Nance holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Texas Southern (2023) and is pursuing a Master of Science in Sports Leadership.  

Alondras Strong enters his first season as a defensive analyst at Jackson State after serving two years at Alabama A&M. Strong began his coaching career serving as an offensive graduate assistant, working with the wide receivers and quarterbacks for a majority of the 2023 season before being promoted to running backs coach in February 2024. He played a role in the development of the offense during the season, which saw the Bulldogs average 29.6 points per game (second in the SWAC), 374.6 yards of total offense per game (third in the SWAC), and 40.7 percent on third-down conversions (first in the SWAC). A native of Huntsville, Ala., Strong has a wealth of experience in the SWAC. Strong is no stranger to the rivalry with Alabama State, having played for the Hornets from 2020-22. Prior to attending Alabama State, Strong spent two seasons in Birmingham (Ala.) at UAB. He began his prep football career at Hazel Green High School in Hazel Green, Ala., before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. for his senior season. While in Bradenton, Strong was a part of the IMG National Team that went 8-0 during the 2017 season and finished No. 2 overall in the Maxpreps High School Football National Rankings.