The Jaguars play in NCAA Division I Football Championship as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

The Jaguars started collegiate football in 1916, and played in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference before joining the SWAC in 1934.

Every late November they play their last regular season game against in-state rival Grambling in the Bayou Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Another notable rivalry, dubbed the "Boombox Classic," is played between Jackson State and Southern yearly.

Over 70 Southern alumni have played in the NFL,[3] including: Announced schedules as of February 27, 2025[4]