The 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Championship Game took place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi. The matchup featured the East Division champion Jackson State Tigers (9-2 overall, 7-1 SWAC) hosting the West Division winner Prairie View A&M Panthers (9-3 overall, 7-1 SWAC). In a hard-fought, upset victory, Prairie View A&M defeated Jackson State 23-21 to claim their first SWAC title since 2009 and secure a berth in the 2025 Celebration Bowl.

This game marked Jackson State's ninth appearance in the SWAC Championship and their second against Prairie View A&M, having previously won 27-10 in 2021. For Prairie View, it was their third title game in the last five seasons under first-year head coach Tremaine Jackson, who was named the 2025 SWAC Coach of the Year after leading the Panthers to a 9-3 record The contest was broadcast on ESPN2, with kickoff at 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. ET), drawing significant attention as the winner advanced to face MEAC champion South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl on December 13 in Atlanta.

Game Summary and Key Plays

Prairie View A&M struck first in the opening quarter when senior quarterback Cameron Peters scored on a 7-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Panthers a 7-0 lead with 4:22 remaining in the first. Jackson State responded in the second quarter with a 29-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback JaCobian Morgan, tying the game at 7-7. However, Peters and the Panthers regained momentum, connecting on key passes and drives that led to field goals by freshman kicker Diego Alfaro, who nailed three throughout the game, including crucial ones to extend leads.

The Tigers briefly took the lead in the second half when backup quarterback Jared Lockhart threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ja'Naylon Dupree, making it 14-10. Prairie View quickly answered with a touchdown pass from Peters and more field goals, pushing their lead to 23-14 late in the third quarter. Jackson State's Ahmad Miller scored on a 2-yard run to close the gap to 23-21 with 1:31 left in the third, setting up a tense fourth quarter.

In the final period, defenses dominated, with turnovers playing a pivotal role. Peters fumbled near the goal line, and Jackson State recovered but failed to capitalize. Later, an interception by Jackson State's B.J. Washington off Peters gave the Tigers another chance, but they couldn't convert it into points. Prairie View's defense held firm, sealing the 23-21 victory as time expired.

The Panthers' win ended Jackson State's home unbeaten streak since 2023 and prevented the Tigers from claiming their fourth SWAC title in five seasons.

Standout Performances and Stats

Cameron Peters (Prairie View A&M QB)

394 total yards (294 passing, 100 rushing) and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing). Despite a late fumble and interception, his dual-threat ability was key in driving the offense.-

Diego Alfaro (Prairie View A&M K) Perfect on field goals (3-for-3), providing the margin of victory with his reliable kicking

JaCobian Morgan (Jackson State QB) Scored a rushing touchdown but was sidelined in the second half due to a lingering foot injury from October.

Jared Lockhart (Jackson State QB): Threw for one touchdown but had an interception; the Tigers were limited to a season-low 244 total yards

Ahmad Miller (Jackson State RB)**: Added a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.

Ja'Naylon Dupree (Jackson State WR):Caught a 22-yard touchdown pass.

Team stats highlighted Prairie View's efficiency: They exploited Jackson State's penalties and turnovers while controlling the clock. Jackson State, favored by 7.5 points pre-game, averaged 33.9 points per game entering but was held to 21, while Prairie View's defense—ranked top in the SWAC for total yards allowed (269.6 per game)—stifled the Tigers' high-powered offense.

Post-Game Notes

Prairie View A&M's triumph improves their record to 10-3 and earns them a spot in the Celebration Bowl against South Carolina State, aiming for the HBCU National Championship

This marks a significant achievement for Coach Tremaine Jackson, who previously led Valdosta State to a DII national title game appearance.

For Jackson State (now 9-3), the loss ends their bid for back-to-back SWAC titles and a return to the Celebration Bowl, where they won in 2024.