The Jackson State Tigers history is rich with success, featuring strong performances across multiple NCAA sports. The Jackson State Tigers basketball team has earned recognition for its consistent dominance, while the Jackson State Lady Tigers continue to showcase excellence in women’s athletics. Together, they reflect the proud athletic tradition of Jackson State University.
College Sports Established
1877
Location
Jackson, Mississippi
College Name
Jackson State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1958 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1958 - Present / Southwestern Athletic Conference
Nickname
Tigers - Jackson State Tigers are one of the most beloved teams in college sports, and their nickname has a long and storied history. The Jackson State University athletic program began in 1915 when it was known as the Natchez Institute. Students then called themselves "The Fighting Tigers," which eventually became the official school mascot.
Jackson State Tigers Origin
In 1924, legendary football coach Eddie Robinson took over at Jackson State and renamed them "The Tiger Cubs." He felt this name better reflected his team's tenacity on the field - they were small but mighty! In 1950, after much success under Coach Robinson's leadership, including four conference championships between 1945-1950, he changed their moniker again to “Tigers” – a name now synonymous with excellence within college athletics circles.
Today’s fans know exactly what it means to hear “Go Tigers!” It symbolizes strength and determination on any playing field or court - qualities needed by all athletes striving for greatness. With its rich history rooted firmly in tradition since 1915, there is no doubt why so many people have such an affinity towards this iconic university mascot: The Jackson State Tigers!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1971
- 1978
- 1979
- 1997
- 2020
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Legendary Head Coach W.C Gorden
The most successful era for the Tigers was during the 1970s when they were led by legendary head coach W.C Gorden who guided them to seven SWAC championships between 1971 and 1979 as well as four consecutive Black College National Championships from 1972 to 1975 which included an undefeated season in 1973 where they outscored opponents 438-77 on their way ... -
SWAC Tournament Win
The Tigers have appeared in the NCAA Division I Tournament three times, and the NCAA Division II Tournament five times. They are the only team to ever forfeit a game in Division II tournament history. The Tigers were the first team to win the SWAC Tournament, in 1978. -
Kelvin Orlando Moor From Jackson State Baseball Team
Kelvin Orlando Moore (September 26, 1957 – November 9, 2014) was a Major League Baseball first baseman. He played parts of three seasons in the major leagues, from 1981 until 1983, for the Oakland Athletics. He attended Leroy High School and Jackson State University, where he was drafted in the sixth round of the 1978 MLB draft. He died on ... -
NCAA Division I tournament First Appearence
The Tigers have appeared in the NCAA Division I Tournament three times. Their combined record is 0–3. Of the SWAC teams who have appeared in the Division I tournament, they are the only team to have never played an opening round game. They appeared in 1997, 2000 and 2007 tournament. -
Tigers Football Coach Deion Sanders
On September 21, 2020, Deion Sanders became the 21st head coach of the Jackson State Tigers, a team in the second level of NCAA football, the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), that represents the historically black (HBCU) Jackson State University. In his first season in spring 2021, abbreviated and delayed from its normally intended fall 2020 schedule due to ...
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Jackson State Tigers History
The Jackson State Tigers history stands among the most remarkable in NCAA sports, known for its strong rivalries—especially with the Grambling State Tigers. Founded in 1877, Jackson State University has developed one of the most respected athletic programs in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Over the decades, the Jackson State Tigers basketball and Jackson State Lady Tigers programs have become cornerstones of excellence.
The Jackson State Tigers basketball team rose to national recognition in the early 1980s under coach Bob Hopkins, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen three times (1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83). Their disciplined style of play and relentless defense made them one of the strongest teams in the SWAC. Meanwhile, the Jackson State Lady Tigers have built their own winning legacy, consistently ranking as one of the top women’s basketball programs in the conference.
In football, the Jackson State Tigers have long been a dominant force. The program captured five SWAC titles between 1975 and 1986 and reached the Division I FCS playoffs six times from 1985 to 2003. The team also produced legendary NFL talents, including Walter Payton and Robert Brazile, who helped elevate Jackson State’s reputation nationwide.
Tigers Achievements
Beyond football and basketball, Jackson State has excelled in other sports. The Tigers won national honors at the Penn Relays from 1980 to 1984 and secured four straight indoor track & field titles from 1986 to 1989. The Jackson State Lady Tigers have earned championships in softball, soccer, and track, showcasing their athletic depth and determination.
Recent years have seen continued success across multiple programs. The baseball team clinched the 2014 SWAC title, the softball team followed with one in 2015, and the women’s soccer squad triumphed in 2017. The Jackson State Tigers basketball team reclaimed the SWAC crown in 2018, reaffirming the university’s athletic dominance.
The Jackson State Tigers history reflects a proud legacy built on talent, perseverance, and community pride. With the Jackson State Lady Tigers and men’s teams continuing to shine, the university remains a powerhouse in HBCU and NCAA athletics—honoring its past while building a future filled with promise and championship spirit.
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