South Carolina State, like Jackson State, enters the Celebration ... They last played on Nov. 23, a 53-21 win versus Norfolk State. “Yesterday was yesterday,” Jackson State coach T.C. Taylor ...

Their first meeting was in the 2021 Celebration Bowl, as South Carolina State won the game 31-10. They would meet to start the season in 2023, with Jackson State winning the game 37-7.

Jackson State opens the season at home against Hampton. Southern Miss' two other nonconference games are at Louisiana Tech on Sept. 20 and versus Jacksonville State on Sept. 27.