Ahead of a SWAC championship bout against Southern University on December 7, Jackson State head coach T.C. Taylor and freshman wide receiver Travis Terrell, Jr. have landed themselves as finalists for two prestigious national awards.
The Tigers, ranked No. 15 in the latest AFCA top 25 poll, are 10-2 and a perfect 8-0 in SWAC play this season in year two under Taylor. Dominance in the conference schedule, including the recent 48-10 blowout over in-state rival Alcorn State last Saturday, earned JSU a division title and a shot at its first SWAC championship since winning the crown in 2022.
Taylor’s coaching performance in 2024 has been recognized as one of the best as the legendary former Tiger quarterback and wide receiver was named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented annually to the best coach in the Football Championship Subdivision. The award honors former Grambling State head coach and College Football Hall of Famer Eddie Robinson.
The winner among 15 finalists, with at least one representing each of the 13 FCS leagues, will be announced on December 5 and honored at the FCS National Awards Banquet on January 4 in Frisco, Texas.
A long list of playmakers has made JSU go in 2024, including freshman running back and return specialist Travis Terrell, Jr. The fresh-faced dynamo has been electric in both the run and return game, tallying 412 yards and three touchdowns on the ground along with 792 yards and a pair of scores in the return game.
Terrell, Jr. was named one of 25 finalists for the 2024 Jerry Rice Award, presented each year to the top FCS freshman in the nation. The winner of the award, named after Mississippi Valley State legend and NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, will also be announced on December 4 and recognized at the ceremony on January 4.
Past recipients of the award include Cooper Kupp, Chase Edmonds, Trey Lance, Cam Ward, and former Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders in 2021.
