What Is 2013 Jackson State Tigers football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Jackson State Tigers football team represented Jackson State University during the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 6–6 overall record and 4–4 in SWAC play under head coach Harold Jackson.

Key Facts

The 2013 Jackson State Tigers finished the season with a 6–6 overall record
They went 4–4 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) games
Head coach Harold Jackson led the team in his first full season
The Tigers played home games at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, MS
They did not qualify for the FCS playoffs or win a bowl game

Overview

The 2013 Jackson State Tigers football team represented Jackson State University in the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by head coach Harold Jackson, who was in his first full season after taking over midway through 2012.

The Tigers played their home games at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, and finished the season with a .500 win-loss record. Despite a balanced performance, they did not qualify for postseason play, missing both the FCS playoffs and any bowl eligibility.

Record: The team finished with a 6–6 overall record, marking a modest improvement from the previous season’s 5–6 mark.
Conference performance: In SWAC play, they went 4–4, placing them in the middle of the Western Division standings.
Head coach: Harold Jackson served as head coach for the full season, aiming to rebuild the program after years of inconsistent results.
Home stadium: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, hosted all home games and is one of the largest stadiums in the FCS.
Postseason: The Tigers did not qualify for the SWAC Championship Game or the NCAA FCS playoffs due to their .500 record.

How It Works

The structure of college football seasons, particularly in the FCS, determines how teams compete, qualify for championships, and represent their conferences. For Jackson State in 2013, this meant playing an 11- or 12-game schedule with a mix of non-conference and conference matchups.

Schedule construction:The 2013 schedule included six SWAC games and six non-conference contests, typical for FCS programs balancing regional and national exposure.
Coaching leadership:Harold Jackson took full control after being interim coach in 2012, aiming to stabilize the program with a focus on discipline and development.
Player development:Roster depth was limited compared to power conferences, but the team emphasized recruiting from Mississippi high schools and junior colleges.
Game strategy: The Tigers ran a pro-style offense and a 4–3 base defense, adapting weekly to stronger SWAC opponents like Grambling State and Southern.
Conference rules:SWAC standings are determined by win-loss record; only division winners play in the championship game, which Jackson State missed.
Postseason eligibility: An FCS playoff berth requires a strong overall record and ranking; 6–6 was not sufficient for national selection.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Jackson State Tigers compared to key SWAC rivals and national FCS leaders:

Team	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Postseason Result	Head Coach
Jackson State	6–6	4–4	No postseason	Harold Jackson
Grambling State	10–3	8–1	SWAC Champions	Doug Williams
Southern	9–4	7–2	SWAC Runner-up	Eric Dooley
North Carolina A&T	9–3	N/A	FCS Playoffs	Sam Washington
North Dakota State	12–2	7–1 (Missouri Valley)	FCS National Champions	Craig Bohl

This comparison shows that while Jackson State held its own in conference play, it lagged behind top SWAC programs and national powerhouses. Grambling State dominated the SWAC, and North Dakota State won the FCS title, highlighting the performance gap. Jackson State’s .500 record reflected ongoing rebuilding efforts rather than championship contention.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year for Jackson State football, representing a step toward long-term stability under new leadership. Though not a standout season, it provided valuable experience for players and coaches alike.

Program development:The 6–6 record indicated progress from prior years and laid groundwork for future improvements under Harold Jackson.
Recruiting momentum: A stable coaching staff helped attract better talent from Mississippi and surrounding regions.
SWAC competitiveness: Finishing at .500 in conference play showed the Tigers could compete with top-tier SWAC teams.
Stadium utilization: Playing at a large venue like Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium maintained visibility and fan engagement.
Player development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, contributing to future seasons’ success.
Historical context: The season was part of a broader effort to restore Jackson State to prominence in HBCU football.

The 2013 campaign, while not historic, played a role in the long-term trajectory of Jackson State football, setting the stage for more competitive seasons in the mid-2010s.