HOUSTON – Tremaine Jackson, head coach of Prairie View A&M, underscored the importance of resilience and camaraderie as essential qualities that foster a championship-caliber team. In a recent conversation with HBCU Legends, Jackson reflected on how this brotherhood has propelled the Panthers to the brink of a national title appearance.
The Panthers recently triumphed over Jackson State with a narrow victory of 23-21 in the SWAC football championship game, held at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. This hard-fought win highlighted a significant moment in the game when quarterback Cam Peters made a costly mistake by reaching for the end zone on second down, a decision that Jackson later critiqued. He emphasized the importance of communication and leadership, noting Peters’ ability to bounce back, as evidenced by his key third-and-seven conversion later in the game.
Jackson acknowledged the intense physical toll that the championship game took on his team, especially in the competitive trench play. He recognized the need for improvement despite the win, stating, “We definitely got some things we got to clean up. That game was as tough as we thought it was going to be.”
The coach pointed out that both Prairie View A&M and South Carolina State share a strong foundation in physicality and disciplined play, citing their commitment to a run-focused offense, efficient passing, and solid defensive strategies. While each team operates under different schemes, Jackson believes the underlying principles of toughness and pride are common in HBCU football.
Among his players, Jackson highlighted Darrell Starling Jr., illustrating how unsung players often contribute significantly to the team’s success. Starling, a former special education teacher, has emerged as a key veteran leader, even in the shadow of more recognized stars like linebacker Trevor Randle. Jackson expressed his astonishment that Starling hasn’t received all-conference recognition, calling him a “bright spot on our team both on and off the field.”
A notable aspect of this year’s championship is the shared fraternity ties among coaching staff, with Jackson and South Carolina State head coach Chennis Berry both members of Omega Psi Phi. The fraternity’s values of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift greatly influence Jackson’s leadership style and mentoring approach, shaping not just the players as athletes but as individuals.
As the Panthers gear up for the national title game at the 2025 Celebration Bowl, Jackson maintains a sense of urgency and focus. He remarked, “If you ain’t got but one leg, you better drag it on out there because it’s 60 minutes to the finish.” For Prairie View A&M, the journey to greatness is not assured, but the bond of unity among the players remains the driving force in their pursuit of success on the national stage.