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Jared Lockhart looks to continue Jackson State success as QB1
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- Jared Lockhart looks to continue Jackson State success as QB1
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Jared Lockhart spent his freshman season preparing for an opportunity he didn't know would come so quickly. Now, after stepping into the starting role during Jackson State's 2025 season, the reigning SWAC Co-Freshman of the Year is officially entering 2026 as the Tigers' starting quarterback.
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Speaking at SWAC Media Day, Lockhart reflected on taking over the position following JaCobian Morgan's successful tenure and the lessons he learned from the veteran signal-caller.
"Having a guy like JaCobian Morgan, coming in, I just wanted to soak in knowledge from him," Lockhart told the Clarion Ledger. "And just having that knowledge throughout this season, it just brings more fuel to the fire. Being able to be in this position as a true sophomore, it's just a blessing. Just ready to lead this team to the Celebration Bowl."
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Lockhart was thrust into action last season after Morgan suffered an injury against Grambling State. Rather than simply managing the offense, the freshman quarterback quickly established himself as one of the conference's rising stars.
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He appeared in seven games while making five starts, throwing for 1,187 yards, eight touchdowns and just three interceptions. Lockhart completed 67.3% of his passes while adding 189 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. His strong finish earned him SWAC Co-Freshman of the Year honors and showcased why Jackson State believes he is ready to lead the program into its next chapter.
Among his top performances was his first collegiate start against Tuskegee, when he completed 15 of 21 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushing scores. Later in the season against Mississippi Valley State, Lockhart threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns, one of several performances that highlighted his ability to make plays through the air.
He also threw at least one touchdown pass in each of the seven games he appeared in and was twice named SWAC Co-Newcomer of the Week. Following his performance against Alcorn State, Lockhart earned Stats Perform FCS HBCU National Player of the Week honors.
Now, Lockhart takes over full-time for a Jackson State program that has become one of the premier teams in HBCU football under head coach T.C. Taylor. The Tigers reached the SWAC Championship Game for a second consecutive season in 2025 after finishing 9-3 overall and winning the SWAC East Division. While Jackson State fell to Prairie View A&M in the conference title game, expectations remain high entering 2026.
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