SHELOVESTHEE • JACKSON STATE SOCCER
BUILT FOR THE SWAC RACE
Jackson State challenged itself outside the conference, found its attack late in the non-conference slate, and opened SWAC play by shutting out rival Southern.
Photo: Jackson State Athletics / Jackson State Soccer / GoJSUTigers.com
The Defending Regular-Season Champions Are Back in the Hunt
Jackson State entered 2026 carrying the standard of the 2025 SWAC Regular Season Championship. The Tigers finished 2025 9-7-3 overall and 6-1-1 in SWAC play, earning the regular-season conference championship and advancing to the SWAC Tournament championship match.
Rather than easing into 2026, Jackson State scheduled a demanding non-conference slate designed to prepare the team for another SWAC championship run.
Jackson State's early schedule included a neutral-site matchup against Abilene Christian, road trips to McNeese, ULM, Arkansas, and Stephen F. Austin, along with several home opportunities.
The early results were uneven, but Jackson State eventually found its offensive rhythm. The Tigers defeated Delta State 5-1, followed later by a 3-1 victory over Austin Peay and a statement 4-1 victory over Middle Tennessee.
Middle Tennessee entered Jackson with a 7-1-2 record and one of the strongest starts in program history. Jackson State responded by scoring four goals and closing the non-conference schedule with one of its strongest performances of the season.
The late non-conference surge also produced individual recognition. Following victories over Austin Peay and Middle Tennessee, Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper earned SWAC Offensive Player of the Week, Makayla Sturkey earned SWAC Defensive Player of the Week, and goalkeeper Taylor Osborn earned SWAC Goalkeeper of the Week.
Jackson State Tested Itself Before SWAC Play
Ten non-conference matchups. Road trips across Division I. Here's how Jackson State's schedule unfolded, game by game.
The opener: Jackson State opened 2026 with a competitive one-goal matchup at home.
Neutral-site challenge: Jackson State left home early in the season for a matchup against Abilene Christian.
Road pressure: Another Division I road test challenged the Tigers' defensive organization and composure.
Back-to-back road work: Jackson State stayed on the road and gained more experience against unfamiliar opposition.
This matchup was included in the original non-conference schedule but was ultimately canceled.
SEC measuring stick: Jackson State traveled to Fayetteville for a difficult road test against an SEC opponent.
The attack breaks through: Jackson State erupted for five goals and earned its first win of the season.
Another difficult road environment: Jackson State scored twice in Nacogdoches but came up short.
Second-half takeover: The match was tied 1-1 at halftime before Jackson State scored twice after the break.
Statement finish: Middle Tennessee entered Jackson 7-1-2. Jackson State responded with four goals and finished the non-conference schedule with major momentum.
Rivalry Weekend • Jackson State vs. Southern
Football Handled Saturday. Soccer Finished the Weekend Sunday.
Less than 24 hours after Jackson State football defeated Southern 35-17 in the BoomBox Classic, Jackson State women's soccer delivered another rivalry win with a 3-0 shutout.
Jackson State opened a can of whoop ass and completed the weekend sweep of Southern.
Different sport. Same colors. Same result: Jackson State wins.
How the Soccer Shutout Happened
Jackson State finished with 20 shots, while goalkeeper Taylor Osborn made six saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Meet the 2026 Jackson State Tigers
This roster helped carry Jackson State from a demanding non-conference schedule into the SWAC race. Scroll horizontally through the players, then meet the coaching staff.
2026 Women's Soccer
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Roster photos: Jackson State Athletics / GoJSUTigers.com
Leadership
The Staff Leading Thee Tigers
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Coach Photos & Information: Jackson State Athletics / GoJSUTigers.com
Sources & Photo Credit
Photos: Jackson State Soccer / Jackson State Athletics, GoJSUTigers.com.
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