Jacksonville State Gamecocks 2025 Preview

Jacksonville State University Gamecocks

Head Coach: Charles Kelly – At School and Overall: 1st Year

OC : Clint Trickett; DC: Brian Williams

2024 Record: 9-5 (7-1)

Impact Players: QB Gavin Wimsett, RB Cam Cook, WR Michael Pettway, DE Jawuan Campbell, S Patrick Taylor, DT Talen Carter, DT Khurtiss Perry

Offense:

Clint Trickett takes the reins of an offense that only returns 2 starters. Last season the Jax St. offense was top 15 in the nation in scoring and top 3 in rushing. The good news is the Gamecocks were able to retool through the portal with additions at QB and RB to reload their run first play style. QB Gavin Wimsett is set to take over after stops at Rutgers and Kentucky and he is joined by RB Cam Cook, who comes over to Jacksonville after leading TCU in rushing a year ago. WR Micheal Pettwat should be Wimsett’s go to guy on the outside. The o-line must replace a pair of all conference starters. 

Defense:

Like the offense, the defense must also replace multiple all conference players. The strength of the Gamecock’s defense should be the front 7. DTs Jawuan Campbell and Talen Carter are the only returning starters, but thanks to some Power 4 transfers, that unit has increased depth. Look for freshmen Walker O’Steen and transfer Morven Joseph to lead the middle of the defense. With no returning starters in the secondary, Jax St will have to rely heavily on transfers and new faces. S Patrick Taylor saw action last season and should act as the de facto leader of the secondary. 

Analysis:

Jacksonville St.’s second season as a member of the Conference USA was as successful as it could get. Going 7-1 in conference play and beating WKU by 40 to win the CUSA title. This season comes with much larger question marks. Only 4 returning starters and nearly half a dozen all conference players gone is not an ideal start for a first year coach. That being said, the talent level is still there in Jacksonsville. Although they may not find themselves going back to back as CUSA champs, the Gamecocks should feel confident they have enough to remain at the top of the conference.

2025 Record Floor: 5-7

2025 Record Ceiling: 9-3

2025 Record Prediction: 8-4