Jackson State quarterback Caron Tyler (16) throws during the Jackson State Tigers' spring game at the Walter Payton Center in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Taylor watches from the sidelines during the Jackson State TigersÕ spring game at the Walter Payton Center in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, April 11, 2026. (Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger) Jackson State defensive back Mike Smith III (4) warms up before the Jackson State Tigers' spring game at the Walter Payton Center in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, April 11, 2026. (Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger) Jackson State quarterback Jared Lockhart (11) gets a fist bump during the Jackson State Tigers' spring game at the Walter Payton Center in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Where Jackson State football ranks in 2026 preseason HBCU FBS coaches poll