JACKSON, Miss. – Alcorn State closed out the 2025 football season on Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 27-21 battle against Jackson State at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Braves rallied twice in the second half and put together a late scoring drive, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome in the rivalry matchup.
Jackson State opened the game with 17 unanswered points in the first quarter before Alcorn settled in and began to find rhythm offensively. The Braves broke through in the second period with an explosive 64-yard touchdown connection from Jaylon Tolbert to Tyran Warren, pulling the game to 17-7 with 11:12 left in the half. Warren showcased his playmaking ability throughout the day, finishing with 7 receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
After the Tigers answered with a long touchdown to extend their lead to 24-7 at halftime, Alcorn responded immediately coming out of the break. Reggie Davis delivered one of the game's biggest moments, bursting through the line for a 44-yard touchdown run to make it a 24-14 game early in the third. Davis capped a strong performance with 15 carries for 120 yards and added four receptions out of the backfield.
Defensively, Alcorn tightened its coverage as the afternoon progressed. Stemarion Edwards led the Braves with 12 total tackles, while Cedric Roberts added 10 stops. The unit recorded two sacks and seven tackles for loss as it consistently worked to slow down the Tigers' balanced attack.
Jackson State added a short field goal early in the fourth quarter, stretching the margin to 27-14. Alcorn mounted one final drive in the closing minutes, marching 100 yards in 14 plays. Tolbert again found Warren—this time from 17 yards out—to pull the Braves within 27-21 with 2:26 remaining. The defense forced a stop to give Alcorn one last chance, but a fumble in the final minute ended the comeback bid.
Tolbert finished the game 21-for-33 for 234 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Braves to 390 yards of total offense compared to Jackson State's 379. Alcorn dominated time of possession in the fourth quarter and converted all three of its fourth-down attempts, showing grit and determination until the clock expired.
With the result, Alcorn State concludes the 2025 campaign at 5-7 overall and 4-4 in SWAC play. The Braves now turn their attention to the offseason as preparations begin for the 2026 season.
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