Jackson State and Southern University have one of the biggest rivalries in HBCU football, and that tension showed up before the game, according to a video posted by Kevin Batiste. Southern and Jackson State had a brief scuffle about an hour and a half before their matchup. At this moment, it's unclear what prompted the mini-altercation or if any disciplinary action will be enforced.

Southern and Jackson State pregame mini scuffle!

This lasted for several minutes before coaches and state troopers separated them. @WAFB pic.twitter.com/FNgceJwotB

— Kevin Batiste (@KBatisteJr) September 26, 2026

“Southern and Jackson State pregame mini scuffle! This lasted for several minutes before coaches and state troopers separated them,” Batiste wrote on his X post about the video.

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The Jackson State versus Southern University rivalry, known as the BoomBox Classic, dates back to 1929, when Southern University beat Jackson State 98-0. Both programs are considered blue bloods in HBCU football and have matched up 73 times, with Southern University leading the all-time series 37-36. However, Jackson State found itself in a position to tie this all-time series and continue to build upon what would be an eight-game winning streak if they secure the victory today.

Jackson State head coach T.C. Taylor put the matchup into perspective during Monday's SWAC coaches' call, as he sees the game as a reminder to his team to prove naysayers wrong.

“I told those guys, remember what the conference thought you would finish at. You know, that’s going to be huge. Remember what they think, you know, the conference think of you…It’s something that motivates us,” Taylor said. “And we’re ready to go, you know, come this weekend.”

Jackson State, despite making the SWAC championship last season, was picked to finish second in the SWAC East behind Alabama State.