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Jackson State edges Tennessee State 26-24 in Merritt Classic

8/30/2026

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Summary

Jackson State Wins

Jackson State defeated Tennessee State 26-24 in the John A. Merritt Classic in Nashville.
Quarterback Jared Lockhart threw an 88-yard touchdown pass to Jabari Jones on the third offensive play.
Freshman kicker Andrew Ivaniciuc made four of five field goals, including the go-ahead 21-yard kick with 2:31 left.
Tennessee State holder mishandled a snap on a 36-yard field-goal attempt, stopping a potential game-winning kick.

Summary

Jackson State Secures Order

Four Jackson State defensive players received a temporary restraining order on Aug. 27, allowing them to compete.
They sued the NCAA on Aug. 24 for a fifth year of eligibility after a July 31 injunction was stayed on Aug. 21.
The order bars the NCAA from penalizing the players or Jackson State for actions.
All four athletes entered the first quarter of Jackson State’s season-opening game against Tennessee State on Aug. 29.

History

Historical Context

After the NCAA adopted a five-year eligibility rule in 1972—citing Walter Byers’ report that 1,200 Division I football players were affected—the association has repeatedly limited extra seasons. Jackson State and Tennessee State now challenge that precedent as four defensive players seek a fifth year, prompting a restraining order on Aug. 27, 2024 and reviving debate over eligibility limits.

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Jackson State Wins

Jackson State defeated Tennessee State 26-24 in the John A. Merritt Classic in Nashville.
Quarterback Jared Lockhart threw an 88-yard touchdown pass to Jabari Jones on the third offensive play.
Freshman kicker Andrew Ivaniciuc made four of five field goals, including the go-ahead 21-yard kick with 2:31 left.
Tennessee State holder mishandled a snap on a 36-yard field-goal attempt, stopping a potential game-winning kick.

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