On January 1, 2025, Tremaine Jackson took over as the head coach of the Prairie View A&M football program. Prior to joining Prairie View A&M, Jackson made a significant mark at Valdosta State University, where he was named the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) National Division II Coach of the Year. This recognition made him only the third head coach in Valdosta State history to earn the prestigious honor.
Jackson led the Blazers to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game, where they faced Ferris State. His tenure at Valdosta State included a stellar 30-8 record in his third season and a perfect 13-0 season in 2024, culminating in the program's 11th Gulf South Conference (GSC) title with a 6-0 mark. Over five seasons as a head coach, Jackson posted an overall record of 40-11, including a remarkable 13-0 season. This marked the fifth time in program history that the Blazers achieved 13 or more wins in a season. Jackson also earned the GSC Co-Coach of the Year honor in 2024.
In his second season as head coach at Valdosta State, Jackson led the Blazers to the GSC title, making history as the first Black coach to win the conference title, and the only non-HBCU Black coach to achieve this distinction. Jackson's leadership was pivotal in guiding the team to a 10-1 record and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Notable victories included a 58-28 triumph over West Georgia in the regular season finale. Under his guidance, the Blazers' offense ranked among the top 15 nationally in passing, first downs, and completion percentage, and quarterback Sammy Edwards was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy.
In addition to on-field success, Jackson fostered academic excellence at Valdosta State. The Blazers posted their highest-ever team GPA of 2.84 in 2023, with 54 players achieving a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Jackson's players also actively contributed to the community through service projects such as Habitat for Humanity and Earth Day cleanups.
Jackson's contributions to football were recognized on a national scale. He was named to ESPN’s list of 45 minority coaches under 45 to watch and included on FootballScoop’s 2022 Minority Watch List. Jackson also earned two NFL Bill Walsh Minority Fellowships, spending time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Before his success at Valdosta State, Jackson served as head coach at Colorado Mesa University, where he led the team to a 10-3 record and historic victories, including an upset win over a top-5 opponent. His coaching career also includes stops at Texas State, Abilene Christian, and the University of Sioux Falls, where he made notable contributions to each program’s success.
A former defensive lineman, Jackson played at Texas Southern before transferring to the University of Louisiana-Monroe, and later graduating from the University of Houston in 2006 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
Off the field, Jackson has been an advocate for minority coaching advancement, serving as Vice President of the Minority Coaches Advancement Association, and he received the 2022 Harry Butler Community Service Award for his work in community service.
With a strong reputation for mentoring, leading successful teams, and contributing to his community, Tremaine Jackson brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Prairie View A&M as the new head coach of the football program.
The Houston, Texas native has one daughter, Harmony.Â
