By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Staff
JACKSON, Miss. — In a dramatic upset, the Prairie View A&M Panthers knocked off the Jackson State Tigers 23–21 on Saturday to win the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship — their first SWAC crown since 2009.
The Panthers, under first-year head coach Tremaine Jackson, came into the game as underdogs against a Jackson State squad looking for back-to-back conference titles. But Prairie View delivered when it counted most.
Quarterback Cameron Peters spearheaded the Panthers’ attack, finishing with nearly 400 total yards — passing for 294 and rushing for 100, adding two touchdowns altogether. On defense, linebacker Darrell Starling stood out with critical tackles and a timely interception that helped seal the win.
Special teams also played a key role: kicker Diego Alfaro connected on field goals from 19, 30, and 42 yards — every opportunity mattered in a tight finish.
Jackson State broke through mid-game after a 29-yard quarterback run from JaCobian Morgan and a 22-yard touchdown pass that gave hope for a comeback. But the Tigers couldn’t overcome the Panthers’ balanced attack and timely defense.
With the win, Prairie View ends a 16-year conference title drought and punches its ticket to the 2025 Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. For Jackson State, it’s a painful near miss — and a season that ends short of another championship.