JACKSON, TENN. – Jackson State Community College (JSCC) Athletics is set to add women’s flag football to its intercollegiate athletics lineup, becoming the first two-year college in Tennessee and one of the first 10 two-year colleges in the nation to offer the sport. The new program will begin competition in Spring 2027, marking a historic moment for the college and the expansion of women’s athletics across the state.
This milestone initiative is supported by a $5,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation, in collaboration with the National Football League (NFL) FLAG and Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX). The funding is part of a national effort to grow flag football at the two-year college level, expanding access and opportunity for female student-athletes.
“We are honored to be selected for this grant and thrilled to introduce flag football at Jackson State,” said Dr. Kevin K. Lynum, Athletic Director at JSCC. “Becoming the first two-year college in Tennessee to offer this sport is a testament to our vision of innovation, opportunity, and equity in athletics. We are positioning our students to compete at a high level—regionally and nationally.”
JSCC President Dr. Carol Rothstein added, “We are committed to providing a top-tier athletic experience to our student-athletes and to be a destination for the best talent across the region and country. The addition of women’s flag football gives us the opportunity to provide yet another platform for student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level while representing our institution.
“The NJCAA Foundation is passionate about the value women’s flag football brings to institutions’ overall growth, the student-athlete experience, and equality across playing fields,” stated Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “This is an opportunity for women of the association to compete at the highest level, and we are fortunate to work hand in hand with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports during this exciting time.”
Adding flag football will allow Jackson State to compete against four-year institutions and other NJCAA colleges offering the sport. In addition to increased exposure and competitive opportunities, the program will also provide pathways to compete for national championships—elevating the college’s athletic profile and reach.
Specifically, this sport will enable the Green Jays to take the field against larger institutions throughout the region, offering student-athletes the chance to showcase their talents on a broader stage.
A national search will take place soon to identify the program’s inaugural head coach, with recruitment and program development to follow throughout the 2025–26 academic year.
Flag football is among the fastest-growing sports in the United States, fueled by strong institutional and organizational support. With this addition, Jackson State continues to lead from the front—driving growth, innovation, and opportunity in collegiate athletics.