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Alcorn State football news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Alcorn State lost 49-3 at Southern Miss on Sept 5.
The Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis is a chance to reach 2-1 for the first time since 2018.
Background
Alcorn State opened 2026 with a 56-7 win over Division II Miles, then was routed 49-3 at Southern Miss, managing 223 total yards to Southern Miss's 543. Quarterback Jaylon Tolbert threw four interceptions in that loss after throwing five touchdowns in the opener. The Braves now begin SWAC play against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the 37th annual Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis, a game they lost 24-20 last season on a late UAPB touchdown.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026Alcorn State lost 49-3 at Southern Miss; Alcorn's only points came on a Kenyon Bowyer 22-yard field goal, while Southern Miss scored seven touchdowns.
- Sep 9, 2026A report previewed QB Jaylon Tolbert ahead of the UAPB game, noting his five-touchdown opener against Miles and his four-interception game against Southern Miss.
- Sep 12, 2026Alcorn State (1-1, 0-0 SWAC) faces Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-1, 0-0 SWAC) in the 37th annual Southern Heritage Classic at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis at 6 p.m. CST, Alcorn's SWAC opener.
Who’s saying what
- Coach
- Alcorn coach Cedric Thomas attributed Tolbert's four interceptions against Southern Miss to forcing big plays, and expects him to use his running ability and rely on the offensive system against UAPB.
- UAPB coach
- UAPB coach Hampton said the Southern Heritage Classic keeps getting bigger each year and called returning to Memphis with the band 'really exciting.'