The 1996 Jackson State Tigers football team represented Jackson State University as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) during the 1996 NCAA Division I-AA football season.
Led by 5th-year head coach James Carson, the Tigers compiled an overall record of 10–2 and a mark of 6–1 in conference play, and finished as SWAC co-champion.
Jackson State finished their season with a loss against William & Mary in the Division I-AA playoffs.
At the conclusion of the season, the Tigers were also recognized as black college national champion.
This college football 1990s season article is a stub.