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HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News)- Bad weather tonight as showers and thunderstorm come into the area. Expect showers and thunderstorms all week & all next week at least until next Thursday. Here's a more detail forecast. Tonight, there's a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers between 1am and 2am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Thursday will be showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Thursday Night you can also expect showers and thunderstorms likely before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Friday there's a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Friday Night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind. Saturday, there's a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Saturday Night will again be partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind. Sunday, there's a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph. Sunday Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Monday, there's a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Monday Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 74. Tuesday, there's a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 95. Tuesday Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 74. Wednesday, there's a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

JACKSON, Miss. (THN News)- The Jackson State University Division of Athletics will hold its annual Bleed Thee Blue Fall Fan Fest at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, August 15. Fans will get a chance to meet their favorite student-athletes and coaches beginning at 6 p.m., and will also be able to get the 2025 schedule poster signed. All fans must enter through Gate 6 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, and the Clear Bag Policy will be in place on Friday, and the event is free. Following Fan Fest, Thee Country Boy Experience will take place at 8 p.m. and tickets are available by visiting www.myimpacttickets.com . Come join the Jackson State football coaching staff at the kickoff block party and un an unforgettable evening celebrating Jackson State athletics with great food, fellowship, and fun as we kick off the 2025 JSU Football season in true Mississippi fashion! The live concert kicks off at 8 p.m. with an all-star Southern Soul lineup that includes Stephanie Luckett, S. Dott, LJ Echols, PC Band, and Arthur Young. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show in style! There will be a Kid Zone with inflatables and games ensures fun for the entire family, while food and beverage vendors on-site offering a variety of local favorites. Don't miss this high-energy celebration hosted by coach T.C. Taylor and Jackson State football. It's more than a concert, it's an EXPERIENCE. Get your tickets now at www.myimpacttickets.com !

LAUREL Miss (THN News) - Less than 72 hours after being released from jail, Community Activist Anthony Hudson, an outspoken critic of Jones County and The City of Laurel local government, is currently on life support at a local hospital according to reports submitted to the news. Hattiesburg News has not verified these reports and we are not willing to release the photographs we've received allegedly of Anthony Hudson in ICU. This medial emergency is following his recent release from jail after he was arrested by Jones County Sheriff Department for allegedly threatening local judicial officials in one of his Facebook Live videos. His bond was set at $150,000 by Jones County Judge Sonny Saul. However, the public outcry about his detention including his high bond was overwhelmingly in his favor as many in the community claimed his arrest was illegal and violated his federal "free speech" rights. Many people, including both white and black citizens, offered to donate towards his bond. This is a developing story.

MOORHEAD, Miss. (THN News) - Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Ernest T. Jones as the Interim Head Football Coach for the Trojans. Coach Jones brings an extensive and impressive background in collegiate football, combining on-field coaching, player development, and athletic administration. His career highlights include a head coaching tenure at Alcorn State University and his most recent role as secondary and special teams coach at Alabama A&M University. Additionally, Coach Jones has contributed his expertise to esteemed programs such as Notre Dame, UConn, Morgan State, Cincinnati, and Central Michigan. A former wide receiver at Alcorn State University, Coach Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Alcorn State (1995) and a Master of Science in Human Services from Concordia University (2002). He is deeply committed to fostering athletic achievement while emphasizing the personal and academic growth of his student-athletes. Coach Jones and his wife, Kimberly, are proud parents to two sons, Kgai and Myles. MDCC looks forward to the leadership and vision Coach Jones will bring to the Trojan football program.

MCCOMB, Miss. (THN News) Standing at 6’1 170 pounds, Sheldon Isaac, an incoming junior at McComb High School, may not just end up being the best athlete to ever play at his high school, but may be one of the greatest athletes to ever play in Mississippi. The 3 Star athlete has offers from every football powerhouse in Mississippi, ranging from the 2024 Celebration Bowl Champions, Jackson State University, which is the #1 HBCU football team in the nation, to top power 5 schools such as the 11th ranked best football team in the country, the University of Mississippi, according to the latest AP Poll. Add on a little gravy to Ole Miss considering their quarterback Jaxson Dart just got selected in the NFL Draft 1st Round. Currently, his portfolio of over a dozen D1 offers spans over 5 states and includes powerhouses such as Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Jackson State, Grambling, Southern Miss, Alcorn State, Mississippi State, ULM, Tulane, Florida A&M, Tennessee, Toledo, and Southern University. How many more offers to come is yet to be seen as he’s just now entering the 11th grade. Yes, Sheldon is one of the most prolific student athletes in the country & by far one of the best athletes in Mississippi. His Offensive Coordinator, Coach Marquis McFarland, says he's one of the greatest athletes he's every coached, if not the greatest. "4 Way Jay, as we call him, has the most talent I've ever seen in a player since I've been coaching. I've got 7 players with scholarship offers this year but he by far is the most talented player not just on our team but in the state," says Coach McFarland. Coach McFarland is known for producing great talent in high school football. The kids love him. He's firm. He's fair. He's fun. But most of all, he teach his kids how to win on and off the field, part of the foundation in which Sheldon is built on. So, where exactly is he’s going to land on the all new Mississippi High School Statewide Player’s Ranking when all of the best 9th - 12th grade football players in the state show up at the Mississippi Media Day on Thursday, August 21 in Downtown Hattiesburg? We asked Sheldon where would he rank himself? He quickly responded, “Top 10!” That's very possible. His stats speaks enough. All as a 10th grader, he had 16 receiving touchdowns, 2 kick return touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdown, and 1 punt return touchdown. Not to mention 1,400 all purpose yards. He had more touchdowns and yards in his 10th grade year than his elite brother 3 Star athlete Sanfrisco Magee had doing his senior year. His brother, who's currently a receiver at Mississippi State, had 48 receptions for 1,229 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023. He too attended McComb High School. Speaking of his brother, Sheldon tells us that's his biggest inspiration. “Seeing my brother go to college, it motivated me to go harder!” That's understandable considering his brother was a very talented high school football player. At the MMD event hosted by MAP (Mississippi Association of Players) on Thursday Night in Downtown Hattiesburg, over 20 sports journalist & news agencies from the across the state will come together to vote on the statewide players rankings as well as release the ranking live at the red-carpet event so the rankings can be out before the beginning of the 2025-26 football season. Could Sheldon possibly be ranked number one in state or even in the top 10? Sports journalists at MMD rank players based on their overall talent and athleticism as an athlete, along with other attributes, not based on classification or position. So yes, it’s possible Sheldon, who's a junior this year could be ranked higher than a senior playing at a 7A school. We also asked the high school star do he think he’s the best player in the state & who’s his greatest competition. “I feel like I’m the best player in the state because I can’t be stopped!” Sheldon exclaimed. Video Credit: Parker Gillam, Sports Editor, Enterprise-Journal. Twitter @TheEJlive He also explained one of the reasons he can't be stopped. One of his greatest abilities is “jumping up getting the ball!” It’s as if his hands are a magnet for catching the ball regardless of his opponent, as seen in the video above. On top of that, he makes it seem so easy and effortlessly. Some may say he’s cocky. Others may say he’s conceited. Truthfully, he’s just confident as being one of the very best athletes in Mississippi and that confidence makes him feel unguardable. “Being a 3 star motivates me. My family means everything to me. Going to school is something that keeps my mind on the right track,” Sheldon said excitingly. Yes, this may be Sheldon’s first news interview or article, but with so much talent and athleticism, it will not be his last. Much like his offers, they will continue to stack up.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News)- All of the top football athletes in Mississippi from 9th -12th grade come together on Thursday Night, August 21 at 6pm in downtown Hattiesburg, MS at the Jackie Dole Community Center for the Mississippi Media Day. The Mississippi Media Day is where over 20 sports journalist and news agencies from in and around Mississippi come together to vote and release the Mississippi High School Football Statewide Players Ranking, which is the state's official rankings to kickoff the 2025-26 Football Season. At the red carpet event, reporters and journalist will also get an opportunity to interview some of the most talented football athletes from public, private and charter schools. Student athletes must be in at least the 9th grade to attend the special event. The event also consist of a meet and greet where players meet other athletes from around the state plus a special dinner for athletes & their guest such as family and friends before the rankings are released. The event is hosted by the Mississippi Association of Players , whom oversee the statewide players rankings and official state all-stars for all 17 sports in Mississippi. Any football player that attends any high school in Mississippi can signup to attend the event by going to playersms.com or by logging into their MAP Student Athlete Account. Questions? Call MAP at 601.255.8504, email info@playersms.com or visit the online platform playersms.com and tap the Let's Chat button on the bottom right hand of the screen.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 103. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight there will be showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11pm. Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Saturday, expect showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. High near 91. Heat index values as high as 99. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Saturday Night expect showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Low around 73. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Sunday there is a slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Sunday Night, there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

POPLARVILLE, Miss (THN News)- Pearl River is proud to announce 72 student-athletes, and nine teams were recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association for their academic success.    Teams with a combined grade point average of 3.0 or above were recognized as a 2024-2025 NJCAA Academic Team. The Pearl River teams receiving this distinction are women's soccer (3.72), men's golf (3.52), volleyball (3.48), softball (3.43), women's golf (3.42), men's soccer (3.38), baseball (3.30), women's basketball (3.20) and men's basketball (3.22).  Individual student-athletes were also recognized for their success in the classroom. Student-athletes who earned a GPA of 4.0 were recognized as first-team selections, second-team selections achieved a 3.80-3.99 GPA, and third-team selections earned a 3.60-3.79 GPA. All-Academic First-TeamBaseball:  AJ Hansen (Mobile, Ala.; McGill-Toolen) Football:  Chavarius Garrett (Senatobia), Tucker Smith (Poplarville), Jacob Vick (Philadelphia, Miss.; Nanih Waiya) Men's Golf:  William Dickerson (Gautier), Nathan Hickman (Picayune) Men's Soccer:  Ace Cosby (Starkville; Ocean Springs), Tiago Honorio Jr. (São Paulo, Brazil; Zacarias Antônio da Silva) Rodeo:  Cayden Roland (Childersburg, Ala.; Fayetteville) Volleyball:  Allie Varner (Madison; Germantown), Jordyn Wilks (Independence, La.; Hammond Magnet) Women's Golf:  Ashlynn Goss (Picayune; Ignite Christian Academy) Women's Soccer:  Haylie Alvarez (Gulfport; St. Patrick), Anna Grace Deakle (Gulfport), Cailin Guthrie (Biloxi; D'Iberville), Kennedy Harris (Biloxi), Jessica Lawrence (Ocean Springs), Paige Lutkins (D'Iberville), Emily Taylor (Laurel; Homeschool), Amelie Wittenkamp (Oelstykke, Denmark; Egedal Gymnasium)   All-Academic Second-TeamBaseball:  Drew Harrison (Madison; Germantown), Jackson Hood (Madison; Germantown), Caston Thompson (Jayess; Brookhaven Academy) Cheer:  Mattie Prince (Sumrall) Football:  Garrett Orgas (Hopkinsville; Warren Central), Daniel Pickens (Gautier; Resurrection), Mark Will (Poplarville), Matt Will (Poplarville) Men's Golf:  Jeremiah Cochran (Gautier; Covenant Christian Academy), Henry Ros (Pascagoula) Men's Soccer:  Preston Churchwell (Brandon) Rodeo:  Trenton Davis (Poplarville), Birch Harvey (Beaver Springs, Pa.; Midd-West), Tyler Housley (Brandon; McLaurin Attendance Center) Softball:  Natalie Eaves (Louisville, Miss.; Choctaw Central), Ana-Grace Garcia (Baton Rouge, La.; St. Joseph's), Peyton Hoffmayer (Ocean Springs), Anna Kate Rounsaville (Gulfport) Volleyball:  Peyton Hoffmayer (Ocean Springs), Sophia Warren (Brandon), Avery Wheat (Gonzales, La.; East Ascension) Women's Soccer:  Shyla Allen (Biloxi; D'Iberville), Chloe Ezell (Ocean Springs), Marieke Faber (Britsum, Netherlands; Leeuwarder Lyceum), Maddie Kostmayer (Biloxi; St. Patrick), Frederikke Nielsen (Randers, Denmark; Randers Statsskole), Walker Rodney (Sumrall)   All-Academic Third-TeamBaseball:  Cannon Graham (Bailey; West Lauderdale), Konner Graham (Hammond) Cheer:  Katie Anne Hedgepeth (Picayune), I'Miya Oatis (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove), Kaeleigh Pannell (Sumrall), Hayley Shepard (Vancleave), Skye Storozuk (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove), Samantha Vaughan (Poplarville) Football:  Joshua Davis (Natchez; Adams County Christian), Jeffrey Hopgood (Kiln; Hancock), Tyke Smith (Poplarville), Lejon Williams (Pensacola, Fla.; Escambia) Men's Basketball:  Mason Lewis (Stockbridge, Ga.; Woodland) Men's Soccer:  Barrett Breazeale (Hattiesburg; Sumrall), Emil Corfitzen (Copenhagen, Denmark), Julio Martinez (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove), Pedro Trindade (São Paulo, Brazil; Colégio Emilie De Villeneuv), Tycho van Haaren (Doetinchem, Netherlands; Rietveld Lyceum) Rodeo:  Cole Lansford (Childersburg, Ala.; Fayetteville), Zane Pittman (Beaumont, Miss.) Softball:  Alexa Womack (Prairieville, La; Dutchtown) Volleyball:  Morgan Mears (Hurley; East Central) Women's Golf:  Amaya Morelos (Grambling, La.; Ruston) Women's Soccer:  Yazmin Humphrey (Lucedale; George County), Natasza Koper (Warsaw, Poland; LXXV Liceum Ogólnokształcące), Alli Shemper (Biloxi)   For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on X ( @PRCCAthletics ) and Facebook ( PRCCAthletics ).

Jackson State Running Back Travis Terrell Jr. WACO, Texas | The Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year Award honors the outstanding player from the 21 HBCU programs of the Division I subdivision in the Mid-Eastern Athletic, Southwestern Athletic, CAA Football and OVC-Big South conferences. All positions are eligible for the award, and it was reflected in last season's 10 finalists: two running backs, two defensive backs, a linebacker, an offensive lineman, two defensive linemen and two quarterbacks, including the inaugural winner, Eric Phoenix of South Carolina State. Jackson State placed four players on the Watch List released Thursday afternoon, the most of any HBCU in the country. Southern University defensive end Ckelby Givens is the only returning finalist from last season and is part of a 20-player preseason watch list for the HBCU National Player of the Year Award. A national panel involving HBCU/FCS coverage will select the award winner after the regular season. The recipient will be announced on Dec. 8, then honored at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Presentation on Jan. 3, 2026 in Nashville Tennessee. Quarterback JaCobian Morgan earned a spot on the Preseason List after earning a pair of Preseason Offensive Player of the Year awards. The graduate student finished last season with 2,051 yards through the air on 150-of-234 passing, finishing the season 10-1 as a starter, including 10 consecutive wins. He also threw 19 touchdown passes with just eight interceptions, finishing with a 64.1 completion percentage. He also rushed for 225 yards and four touchdowns. Morgan completed the season ranked nationally in several categories including passing efficiency (13th/157.9), points responsible for (16th/164), passing yards per completion (17th/13.72), passing touchdowns (24th/21),  completion percentage (31st/0.637), points responsible for per game (35th/11.7), passing yards (43rd/2,236), passing yards per game (69th/159.7), completions per game (80th/11.64), and rushing touchdowns (98th/6). He was joined on the list by Nate Rembert , coming off a first-team all-conference selection from a season ago at Mississippi Valley State. Rembert, a first team all-conference and third team preseason All-American this season, recorded 70 receptions for 1,038 yards at Mississippi Valley State. He recorded four touchdowns and averaged 86.5 yards per game last season, and is one of only four receivers at Mississippi Valley State to record 1,000 yards receiving in a season. They were joined by Travis Terrell Jr. who was named all-conference and Preseason All-American earlier this month. He was ranked among the best in the nation in returns, leading the nation in kick returns for touchdowns with two. He also ranked in the top five nationally in three other categories, including third in punt returns (16.7), fourth in combined kick returns (851), fifth in kickoff returns (30.6), and 36th in all-purpose yards (108.08). The sophomore also ran the ball 459 yards on 75 carries with four touchdowns, and also caught 15 passes for 95 yards on the offensive side of the ball. Jeremiah Williams , was also named to the list after multiple preseason All-American honors and a preseason all-conference selection. The redshirt senior, who was named the 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl Defensive MVP, recorded 58 total tackles, including 22 solo stops. He also recorded 7.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Williams recorded a season-high nine tackles against Florida A&M (Oct. 19), and seven tackles against Grambling State (Sept. 21) and Alabama A&M (Oct. 5). He recorded at least one tackle in 13 of the 14 games last season, and recorded four quarterback hurries. Jackson State Season Tickets Season tickets begin at $110 for youth general admission and $170 for general admission. Reserved seating is sold at $235 this season, and box seats $300.  All ticket packages include a $10 donation, which directly supports the Sonic Boom of the South and enhances the NIL infrastructure for the Division of Athletics. There are seven options for parking passes during the 2025 season, beginning at $135 for the VIP Tiger Lot. Four different lots (Lots B, C, D, and H) are $360 for the season, while Lot A is $660. The car tailgate lot will be sold at $560 for the year, and the RV tailgate lot is $810. All passes include a $10 donation, which directly supports the Sonic Boom of the South and enhances the NIL infrastructure for the Division of Athletics, and Fans must purchase a minimum of two (2) season tickets to be eligible for season parking.  For answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs),  click here , and all ticketing information can be found on the Ticket Central page by  clicking here . The deadline for season parking and single-game ticket pre-sales is July 31. Meanwhile, reserved and single-game ticket sales begin August 5. Las Vegas HBCU Classic Tickets Tickets and travel packages are on sale for the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic at Allegiant Stadium on Oct. 25. For more information,  click here . Southern Miss Single-Game Tickets Jackson State and Southern Miss single-game tickets went on sale to the general public on July 30 at 10 a.m. for the game in Hattiesburg. More information and links will follow at a later date. Due to expected high demand and increased call traffic, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online or by clicking here . The game is set for a 4 p.m. kickoff on ESPN+ on Sept. 6.  Follow Jackson State Athletics For complete coverage of Jackson State athletics, follow the Tigers on social media at @GoJSUTigers (Instagram and Twitter), Jackson State Tigers (Facebook), or visit the official home of Jackson State athletics at GoJSUTigers.com .

ATLANTA, GA (THN News)- Brooke Chambliss of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with Highest Honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. Chambliss was among 6,660 undergraduate and graduate students to be presented Georgia Tech degrees during the Institute's 268th Commencement exercises May 1 - 3, 2025, at McCamish Pavilion (Ph.D. and bachelor's) and Bobby Dodd Stadium (master's). Learn about Georgia Tech's goal to attract, retain, and inspire more students by visiting Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech , and read more about Georgia Tech's accomplished scholars on Gold Letters: A Spotlight on Student Achievement . The Georgia Institute of Technology , or Georgia Tech , is one of the top public research universities in the U.S., developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute offers business , computing , design , engineering , liberal arts , and sciences  degrees, as well as professional development  and K-12 programs  for fostering success at every stage of life. Its more than 53,000 undergraduate and graduate students represent 54 U.S. states and territories and more than 146 countries. They study at the main campus in Atlanta, at instructional sites around the world, and through distance and online learning. As a leading technological university, Georgia Tech is an engine of economic development for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation, conducting more than $1 billion in research annually for government, industry, and society. For more information, visit www.gatech.edu .

POPLARVILLE, Miss. (THN News) — The Pearl River baseball program has announced its final addition ahead of the 2026 season as former Wildcat and National Champion Triston Hickman has joined the coaching staff.  "We're excited to welcome Triston Hickman back to The River," head coach Michael Avalon said. "Anytime you add a former player to your staff, it's a win. They understand the standard, the culture and what it takes to succeed here. Triston embodies all of that. "He'll be working with our catchers and hitters while also assisting in recruiting. We're fired up to have him back with us." Hickman spent two seasons in the maroon and gold in 2022-23. As a freshman, he tallied 19 at-bats with three walks and two RBIs, aiding in PRCC's MACCC, Region 23 and National Championship run.  A season later, Hickman's production really took off. Hickman battled his way to the full-time designated hitter role and went on to hit .389 with a .544 on-base percentage and a .713 slugging percentage. He tallied nine doubles, eight homers and one triple. He also racked up 33 RBIs and scored 35 runs. He was awarded a Second Team All-MACCC selection following the year. Hickman then transferred to Delta State for his final two seasons. As a junior, he drew 21 starts, collecting 13 hits, two doubles and three homers. He drove in 12 runs. In his senior season, Hickman started 16 games, batting .308 with nine runs scored and eight RBIs. Hickman graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in General Business from Delta State in 2025.

WACO, Texas | Stats Perform has announced a 30-player preseason watch list for the 2025 Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football with a pair of Jackson State student-athletes named to the list. JaCobian Morgan continues to add to his preseason award by earning a spot on the Preseason Watch List. The two-time Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Morgan finished last season with 2,051 yards through the air on 150-of-234 passing, finishing the season 10-1 as a starter, including 10 consecutive wins. He also threw 19 touchdown passes with just eight interceptions, finishing with a 64.1 completion percentage. He also rushed for 225 yards and four touchdowns. Morgan completed the season ranked nationally in several categories including passing efficiency (13th/157.9), points responsible for (16th/164), passing yards per completion (17th/13.72), passing touchdowns (24th/21),  completion percentage (31st/0.637), points responsible for per game (35th/11.7), passing yards (43rd/2,236), passing yards per game (69th/159.7), completions per game (80th/11.64), and rushing touchdowns (98th/6). Meanwhile, he was joined on the list by Travis Terrell Jr. , a highly-decorated player last season including being named the Freshman of the Year by the SWAC and Phil Steele. He was ranked among the best in the nation in returns, leading the nation in kick returns for touchdowns with two. He also ranked in the top five nationally in three other categories, including third in punt returns (16.7), fourth in combined kick returns (851), fifth in kickoff returns (30.6), and 36th in all-purpose yards (108.08). The sophomore also ran the ball 459 yards on 75 carries with four touchdowns, and also caught 15 passes for 95 yards on the offensive side of the ball. Terrell was named First Team All-SWAC this season and earned four selections on the Phil Steele all-conference team, while also earning a pair of Preseason All-American teams. The award, in its 39th season and affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS, is named for legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo and Cooper Kupp; Montana State's Tommy Mellott was last season's winner. All 13 FCS conferences are represented on the watch list, which includes nine past finalists. This season's recipient will be announced at the Stats Perform National Awards Banquet on Jan. 3, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Walter Payton Award was first presented in 1987. More players can join the watch list before a national media panel selects the winner after the regular season from a group of finalists. Jackson State is one of just three schools with two players named to the Preseason List including Illinois State, South Dakota, and Stephen F. Austin.