Overview
- Quarterback Amari Odom converted a fourth-and-14 with a scramble and, after a late-hit penalty advanced the ball, hit Navelle Dean for an 11-yard touchdown in the final minute.
- Kennesaw State led 12-0 before Jacksonville State surged ahead 15-12 on fourth-quarter scores by Caden Creel and national rushing leader Cam Cook.
- The championship caps a swift rise under first-year FBS coach Jerry Mack, as the Owls improved from 2-10 in 2024 to 10-3 and avenged a 35-26 loss on Nov. 15.
- Odom went 26-of-32 for 246 yards, with Coleman Bennett rushing 17 times for 82 yards; Creel threw for 96 yards and ran for 112, while Cook was held to 78 rushing yards.
- Jacksonville State fell to 8-5 and will await its bowl destination, while Kennesaw State’s berth is expected to be finalized with postseason announcements.