2025 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team

Last updated

2025 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football
Jacksonville State Gamecocks wordmark.svg
Conference Conference USA
Record4–3 (3–0 CUSA)
Head coach
Offensive coordinator Clint Trickett (1st season)
Offensive scheme Multiple
Defensive coordinator Brian Williams (1st season)
Base defense 4–3
Home stadium AmFirst Stadium
Seasons
  2024
2026 
2025 Conference USA football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
Kennesaw State  3 0   5 2  
Jacksonville State  3 0   4 3  
Western Kentucky  4 1   6 2  
Missouri State*  2 1   4 3  
Liberty  2 1   3 4  
Delaware*  2 2   4 3  
Louisiana Tech  2 2   4 3  
FIU  1 2   3 4  
UTEP  1 2   2 5  
New Mexico State  1 3   3 4  
Middle Tennessee  0 3   1 6  
Sam Houston  0 4   0 7  
Championship: December 5, 2025
  • * – Ineligible for postseason play due to FCS-to-FBS transition rules
As of October 23, 2025

The 2025 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team represents Jacksonville State University in Conference USA (CUSA) during the 2025 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Gamecocks are led by Charles Kelly in his first year as the head coach. [1] The Gamecocks play home games at AmFirst Stadium, located in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Contents

Offseason

Transfers

Outgoing

PlayerPositionDestination
Te'Sean SmootQB Alabama State
Daveion HarleyIOL California
Reginald HughesLB Colorado
Tar'Varish DawsonWR FIU
Austin AmbushS Georgia State
Zedric WashingtonLB Hinds CC
Jabari MackDB Louisville
Jibreel Al-AminLB Marshall
Demarcus LaceyWR Marshall
Zion TurnerQB Marshall
Zechariah PoyserS Miami
Ky'won McCrayLB New Mexico
Will O'SteenOT North Carolina
Fred Davis IIDB Northwestern
Jamal SilerOL South Alabama
K.D. ArnoldOL UCLA
Jarod BowieWR West Virginia
Jacob BarrickTE West Virginia
Cam VaughnWR West Virginia
Fred PerryS West Virginia
Derek CarterDB West Virginia
Jordan McCantsWR West Virginia
Anthony BenjaminWR Western Carolina
Geimere LatimerDB Wisconsin
Tee DensonDBUnknown
Jaleel BirdsongLBUnknown
Kevin EllisDLUnknown
Mike FranklinRBUnknown
Anwar LewisRBUnknown
Collin WestfeltLSWithdrawn
Jackson VeasyDLWithdrawn

Incoming

PlayerPositionPrevious school
Franklin Baret Jr.WR Appalachian State
Cole MarszalekLS Arizona State
Rod ElstonS Auburn
Dylan GentryWR Auburn
Myles ButlerLB Campbellsville
Caleb NixS Clemson
Trevor Woods S Colorado
Jaheim JenkinsS Eastern Michigan
Jacarvis AlexandreCB Ferris State
Kam BellTE Florida Atlantic
Caleb CoomsWR Florida Atlantic
Isaac WalkerEDGE Georgia Southern
Jacob CruzDL Georgia Tech
Jeremiah OrrOT Hampton
Gavin Wimsatt QB Kentucky
Cade CunninghamQB Memphis
Tyrin TaylorDB Memphis
Larry PrestonDB Murray State
Deondre JohnsonWR Rutgers
Cam Cook RB TCU
Adrian GummIOL Tusculum
Tre'quon FegansCB UCF
Harrison HamsleyTE Valdosta State
Khurtiss PerryDL Virginia Tech

[2] [3] [4]

Coaching staff additions

NameNew PositionPrevious TeamPrevious PositionSource
Charles Kelly Head coach Auburn Co-defensive coordinator/Safeties [5]
Clint Trickett Offensive coordinator Georgia Southern Tight ends/Pass game coordinator [6]
Brian Williams Defensive coordinator Maryland Defensive coordinator/defensive line coach
Deshaun Davis Linebackers North Alabama Linebackers [7]
Max ThurmondSpecial teams/Running backs Tennessee Senior offensive analyst [8]
Lawrence Dawsey Wide receivers Appalachian State Wide receivers [9]
Rohan GainesDefensive backs Auburn Defensive analyst [10]
Taylor Housewright Tight ends Georgia Southern Senior offensive analyst [11]
Xavier GarciaDefensive line Georgia Tech Defensive assistant [12]
Bert BiffaniOutside linebackers/Recruiting coordinator Pell City High School Defensive coordinator [13]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 286:00 p.m.at UCF * ESPN+ L 10–1743,043
September 611:00 a.m. Liberty CBSSN W 34–2420,755
September 136:00 p.m.at Georgia Southern *ESPN+L 34–4124,585
September 206:00 p.m. Murray State *Dagger-14-plain.png
  • AmFirst Stadium
  • Jacksonville, AL
ESPN+W 45–1021,426
September 276:00 p.m.at Southern Miss *ESPN+L 25–4225,034
October 97:00 p.m.at Sam Houston CBSSNW 29–275,419
October 156:00 p.m. Delaware
  • AmFirst Stadium
  • Jacksonville, AL
ESPN W 38–2516,884
October 296:30 p.m.at Middle Tennessee ESPN2
November 82:00 p.m.at UTEP ESPN Networks
November 151:00 p.m. Kennesaw State
  • AmFirst Stadium
  • Jacksonville, AL
ESPN Networks
November 222:30 p.m.at FIU CBSSN
November 291:00 p.m. Western Kentucky
  • AmFirst Stadium
  • Jacksonville, AL
ESPN Networks
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • All times are in Central time

[14]

Game summaries

at UCF

Game One – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) at UCF Knights (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks003710
Knights0031417

at Acrisure Bounce HouseOrlando, FL

  • Date: Thursday August 28, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Rain, 81 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 43,043
  • Referee: Kevin Boitmann
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): A. J. Ricketts (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays
Second quarter
  • No scoring plays
Third quarter
  • UCF – Anthony Venneri 24-yard field goal, 8:03. Knights 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:06.
  • JVST – Garrison Rippa 42-yard field goal, 5:28. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 2:35.
Fourth quarter
  • JVST – Andrew Paul 10-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 12:01. Gamecocks 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 5:17.
  • UCF – Dylan Wade 39-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Anthony Venneri kick), 9:30. Tied 10–10. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 2:25.
  • UCF – DJ Black 33-yard pass from Tayven Jackson (Anthony Venneri kick), 1:03. Knights 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 0:32.
StatisticsJVSTUCF
First downs1823
Total yards322422
Rushing yards165108
Passing yards157314
Passing: Comp–Att–Int16-30-122-33-0
Time of possession28:0431:56
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassing Gavin Wimsatt 15/29, 139 yards, INT
Rushing Cam Cook 17 carries, 75 yards
ReceivingCam Cook4 receptions, 43 yards
UCFPassing Tayven Jackson 17/24, 282 yards, 2 TD
RushingMyles Montgomery21 carries, 79 yards
ReceivingMyles Montgomery3 receptions, 71 yards

vs. Liberty

Game Two – Liberty Flames (1–0) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–1) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Flames7301424
Gamecocks71071034

at AmFirst StadiumJacksonville, AL

  • Date: Saturday September 6, 2025
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Game attendance: 20,755
  • Referee: Rodney Burnette
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Jordan Kent (play-by-play) and Adam Breneman (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • JVST – Andrew Paul 3-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 9:58. Gamecocks 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 1:43.
  • LIB – Julian Gray 72-yard pass from Ethan Vasko (Jay Billingsley kick), 4:09. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 95 yards, 2:47.
Second quarter
  • JVST – Cam Cook 11-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 12:35. Gamecocks 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 2:25.
  • JVST – Garrison Rippa 50-yard field goal, 3:08. Gamecocks 17–7. Drive: 11 plays, 33 yards, 5:12.
  • LIB – Jay Billingsley 35-yard field goal, 0:00. Gamecocks 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 3:02.
Third quarter
  • JVST – Cam Cook 1-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 7:13. Gamecocks 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 3:49.
Fourth quarter
  • LIB – Evan Dickens 52-yard run (Jay Billingsley kick), 12:47. Gamecocks 24–17. Drive: 3 plays, 72 yards, 1:28.
  • JVST – Gavin Wimsatt 3-yard run (Garrison Rippa kick), 8:33. Gamecocks 31–17. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:14.
  • LIB – Donte Lee Jr. 62-yard pass from Ethan Vasko (Brayden Beck kick), 7:16. Gamecocks 31–24. Drive: 3 plays, 82 yards, 1:11.
  • JVST – Garrison Rippa 24-yard field goal, 4:08. Gamecocks 34–24. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:08.
StatisticsLIBJVST
First downs2018
Total yards534390
Rushing yards37–19950–338
Passing yards33552
Passing: Comp–Att–Int19–29–16–12–0
Time of possession29:3630:24
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LibertyPassing Ethan Vasko 19/29, 335 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingEvan Dickens13 carries, 114 yards, TD
ReceivingDonte Lee Jr.2 receptions, 74 yards, TD
Jacksonville StatePassingGavin Wimsatt6/12, 52 yards
RushingCam Cook29 carries, 195 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingCaleb Coombs2 receptions, 24 yards

at Georgia Southern

Game Three – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (1–1) at Georgia Southern Eagles (0–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks141010034
Eagles171401041

at Paulson StadiumStatesboro, GA

  • Date: Saturday September 13, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Danny Waugh (play-by-play), Jayson Foster (analyst) and Whitney Haworth (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsJVSTGASO
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia SouthernPassing
Rushing
Receiving

vs. Murray State (FCS)

Game Four – Murray State Racers (FCS) (0–3) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks (1–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Racers (FCS)00000
Gamecocks00000

at AmFirst StadiumJacksonville, AL

  • Date: Saturday September 20, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Eli Gold (play-by-play), Mickey Shadrix (analyst) and Taylor Korn (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsMURJVST
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Murray StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

at Southern Miss

Game Four – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (2–2) at Southern Miss Golden Eagles (2–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks3081425
Golden Eagles14714742

at M. M. Roberts StadiumHattiesburg, MS

  • Date: Saturday September 27, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Jason Baker (play-by-play) and Austin Davis (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsJVSTUSM
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Southern MissPassing
Rushing
Receiving

at Sam Houston

Game Six – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (2–3) at Sam Houston Bearkats (0–5) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks71001229
Bearkats0147627

at Bowers StadiumHuntsville, TX

  • Date: Thursday October 9, 2025
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 85 °F (29 °C) • Wind: NE 10 mph
  • Game attendance: 5,419
  • Referee: Douglas Mercer
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Jack Gordon (play-by-play) and Taylor McHargue (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • (8:57) JVST – Caden Creel 7-yard run, Garrison Rippa kick (Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 4:35; Jacksonville State 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (14:01) JVST – Garrison Rippa 30-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 77 yards, 1:05; Jacksonville State 10–0)
  • (10:13) SHSU – Landan Brown 1-yard run, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:04; Jacksonville State 10–7)
  • (6:15) JVST – Cam Cook 2-yard run, Garrison Rippa kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:58; Jacksonville State 17–7)
  • (4:28) SHSU – Qua'Vez Humphreys 4-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:47; Jacksonville State 17–14)
Third quarter
  • (8:46) SHSU – Chris Reed 20-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:48; Sam Houston 21–17)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:56) JVST – Garrison Rippa 26-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 4:10; Sam Houston 21–20)
  • (10:34) JVST – Cam Cook 7-yard run (Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:26; Jacksonville State 26–21)
  • (0:52) SHSU – Chris Reed 19-yard pass from Hunter Watson (Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:03; Sam Houston 27–26)
  • (0:00) JVST – Garrison Rippa 52-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 0:47; Jacksonville State 29–27)
StatisticsJVSTSHSU
First downs2615
Total yards499286
Rushing yards370150
Passing yards129136
Passing: Comp–Att–Int13–17–012–19–0
Time of possession35:1324:47
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassingCaden Creel13/17, 129 yards
RushingCam Cook31 carries, 218 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingPearson Baldwin5 receptions, 72 yards
Sam HoustonPassingHunter Watson12/19, 136 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Alton McCaskill 14 carries, 87 yards
ReceivingChris Reed3 receptions, 63 yards, 2 TD

vs. Delaware

Game Seven – Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (3–2) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks (3–3) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Fightin' Blue Hens0661325
Gamecocks71414338

at AmFirst StadiumJacksonville, AL

  • Date: Wednesday October 15, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Clear • Wind: SW 5 mph
  • Game attendance: 16,884
  • Referee: Reed Brotherton
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Clay Matvick (play-by-play) and Chase Daniel (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:27) JVST – Cam Cook 6-yard run, Garrison Rippa kick (Drive: 1 play, 11 yards, 0:40; Jacksonville State 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (10:37) JVST – Caleb Nix 45-yard fumble recovery, Garrison Rippa kick (Jacksonville State 14–0)
  • (8:16) JVST – Brock Rechsteiner 23-yard pass from Caden Creel, Garrison Rippa kick (Drive: 3 plays, 48 yards, 1:21; Jacksonville State 21–0)
  • (2:23) DEL – Viron Ellison Jr. 1-yard run (Drive: 4 plays, 83 yards, 1:16; Jacksonville State 21–6)
Third quarter
  • (8:44) JVST – Cam Cook 1-yard run, Garrison Rippa kick (Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:19; Jacksonville State 28–6)
  • (3:20) JVST – Cam Cook 2-yard run, Garrison Rippa kick (Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 2:56; Jacksonville State 35–6)
  • (1:41) DEL – Max Patterson 21-yard pass from Nick Minicucci (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:39; Jacksonville State 35–12)
Fourth quarter
  • (11:57) JVST – Garrison Rippa 52-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 4:44; Jacksonville State 38–12)
  • (9:25) DEL – Viron Ellison Jr. 2-yard run, Nate Reed kick (Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:32; Jacksonville State 38–19)
  • (2:52) DEL – Viron Ellison Jr. 4-yard run (Drive: 8 plays, 95 yards, 2:57; Jacksonville State 38–25)
StatisticsDELJVST
First downs2224
Total yards456388
Rushing yards34255
Passing yards422133
Passing: Comp–Att–Int32–50–016–24–0
Time of possession26:3833:22
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
DelawarePassing Nick Minicucci 32/50, 422 yards, TD
RushingViron Ellison Jr.8 carries, 15 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingKyre Duplessis6 receptions, 90 yards
Jacksonville StatePassingCaden Creel14/21, 116 yards, TD
RushingCam Cook18 carries, 117 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingBrock Rechsteiner3 receptions, 48 yards, TD

at Middle Tennessee

Game Eight – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (4–3) at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1–6) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks00000
Blue Raiders00000

at Johnny "Red" Floyd StadiumMurfreesboro, TN

  • Date: Wednesday October 29, 2025
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): TBA
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsJVSTMTSU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Middle TennesseePassing
Rushing
Receiving

at UTEP

Game Nine – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) at UTEP Miners (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks00000
Miners00000

at Sun BowlEl Paso, TX

  • Date: Saturday November 8, 2025
  • Game time: TBA
  • TV announcers (TBA): TBA
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsJVSTUTEP
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
UTEPPassing
Rushing
Receiving

vs. Kennesaw State

Game Ten – Kennesaw State Owls (0–0) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Owls00000
Gamecocks00000

at AmFirst StadiumJacksonville, AL

  • Date: Saturday November 15, 2025
  • Game time: TBA
  • TV announcers (TBA): TBA
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsKENNJVST
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Kennesaw StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

at FIU

Game Eleven – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) at FIU Panthers (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks00000
Panthers00000

at Pitbull StadiumMiami, FL

  • Date: Saturday November 22, 2025
  • Game time: TBA
  • TV announcers (TBA): TBA
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsJVSTFIU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
FIUPassing
Rushing
Receiving

vs. Western Kentucky

Game Twelve – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–0) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Hilltoppers00000
Gamecocks00000

at AmFirst StadiumJacksonville, AL

  • Date: Saturday November 29, 2025
  • Game time: TBA
  • TV announcers (TBA): TBA
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsWKUJVST
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

References

  1. Ashworth, Thomas; Rauterkus, Peter (December 20, 2024). "Auburn co-defensive coordinator Charles Kelly set to take Jacksonville State head coaching job". al.com. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  2. "Jacksonville State Football Transfer Portal". ON3.
  3. "Jacksonville State Gamecocks 2025 College Football Transfer Portal". 247Sports.
  4. "Gamecocks Add 23 to Class of 2025". jaxstatesports. February 5, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  5. "Jax State Names Charles Kelly as Head Football Coach". jaxstatesports. December 21, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  6. "Clint Trickett Named Offensive Coordinator". jaxstatesports. December 22, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  7. "Davis Added to Jax State Defensive Staff". jaxstatesports. January 2, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  8. "Thurmond Returns to Jax State Football". jaxstatesports. January 6, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  9. "Gamecocks Add Dawsey to Football Staff". jaxstatesports. January 6, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  10. "Gaines Named Defensive Backs Coach". jaxstatesports. January 7, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  11. "Housewright Added to Offensive Staff". jaxstatesports. January 7, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  12. "Garcia Named Defensive Line Coach". jaxstatesports. January 8, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  13. "Biffani to Serve as Outside Linebackers Coach and Recruiting Coordinator". jaxstatesports. January 8, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  14. "2025 Jacksonville State Football Schedule". FBSchedules. Retrieved December 19, 2024.