New rivalry chapter
- Updated: December 7, 2025
Jax State will play historical rival Troy in in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl in Montgomery
By East Alabama Sports Today
JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State fans have wanted to see the Gamecocks and historical rival Troy play again, and they’ll get the chance.
Conference USA runner up Jax State (8-5) will play Sun Belt runner up Troy (8-5) in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl in Montgomery on Dec. 16. Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Cramton Bowl.
The Gamecocks will make their third consecutive bowl appearance in their first three Football Bowl Subdivision seasons and play Troy for the 64th time, but first since 2001.
Troy won the last meeting 21-3, but Jax State leads 32–29–2 in a series that dates back to 1924. They played every year from 1946 to 1990, and Jax State swept both meetings in 1948.
Jax State has played Troy more than any other opponent in Gamecocks football history.
“We are excited to continue our season and look forward to competing one more time in our home state,” first-year Jax State coach Charles Kelly said. “This is an exciting matchup for our fans and look forward to a great crowd in Montgomery.”
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