Tigers come from behind to capture John Merritt Classic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. | New faces emerged for Jackson State in the season opener, and the Tigers reaped the benefits to score late and defeat Tennessee State 26-24 late Saturday night inside FirstBank Stadium at the 2026 John Merritt Classic. Andrew Ivaniciuc kicked a 21-yard field goal with 2:31 remaining to give Jackson State (1-0) a 26-24 lead, and it was the Tigers’ defense that held late in the contest to force a field goal attempt with under 50 seconds remaining. Tennessee State muffed the snap, enabling Jackson State to tackle the holder and come out with the season-opening win. Ivaniciuc…