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The renewal of one of HBCU football’s most recognizable rivalries already has plenty of intrigue. Now, Tennessee State assistant coach Cedric Thornton has added even more.
Appearing on The Uproar Radio Show, the Tigers’ defensive coordinator made it clear that he expects Tennessee State to leave its season opener against Jackson State with a victory.
“It is non-negotiable that we going to lose this game,” Thornton said. “We are not losing this game. I don’t care what I got to do.”
Thornton doubled down on that confidence, saying the message has already been delivered to his team.
“We will not lose this game. I told the whole team that. Get it out your feelings — whatever you think, whatever you thought. We will not lose this game.”
The matchup marks the latest chapter in the historic rivalry between the two Tiger programs and will also feature one of the SWAC’s rising stars at quarterback. A major key to Tennessee State’s defensive game plan will be slowing down Jackson State quarterback Jared Lockhart, who emerged as one of the conference’s top young players during the 2025 season.
Lockhart took over as Jackson State’s starting quarterback after Jacobian Morgan suffered an injury during the Tigers’ matchup against Grambling State in the Las Vegas HBCU Classic last October. The freshman appeared in seven games, making five starts, while throwing for 1,187 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He completed 67.3% of his passes and added 189 rushing yards with three rushing touchdowns, earning SWAC Co-Freshman of the Year honors.
Thornton acknowledged Lockhart’s physical tools but also suggested Tennessee State has identified areas it hopes to exploit.
“He about 205 now… big kid,” Thornton said of the preseason All-SWAC quarterback. “He like throwing the deep ball. He ain’t as accurate all the time, but he got a big arm.”
Thornton also hinted that Lockhart’s willingness to extend plays as a runner could become a factor in the opener.
“He don’t like to slide,” Thornton added. “He don’t like to get down… that might not be good.”
Thornton’s comment adds intrigue to the matchup, which will take place on August 29th in Nashville at First Bank Stadium at 7:30 p.m
The renewal of one of HBCU football’s most recognizable rivalries already has plenty of intrigue. Now, Tennessee State assistant coach Cedric Thornton has added even more. Appearing on The Uproar Radio Show, the Tigers’ defensive coordinator made it clear that he expects Tennessee State to leave its season opener against Jackson State with a victory.
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