Jackson State's Jared Lockhart Carries Cam Newton's Lessons Into Breakout 2026 Season

When Jackson State quarterback Jared Lockhart takes the field for the 2026 season, he’ll carry with him lessons learned from one of the NFL’s most electrifying quarterbacks. The Charlotte, North Carolina native had a rare opportunity growing up — direct mentorship from former NFL MVP Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers legend whose influence continues to shape the Tigers’ sophomore signal-caller.

“I played on his 7-on-7 team when I was little,” Lockhart said. “Just growing up, getting that knowledge from him, being able to stay at his crib, it just taught me a lot. He taught me a lot. He made sure I was good, fed me and just tried to model my game after him.”

When asked who his favorite quarterback was growing up, Lockhart didn’t hesitate: “Cam Newton.” Asked whether he sees Newton’s influence in his own game, the 6-foot-5 quarterback smiled before answering. “Most definitely. I can call him right now. He’d say the same thing.”

From Backup to Breakout Star

Lockhart began the 2025 season as Jackson State’s backup quarterback before taking over the starting role midway through the year. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the opportunity, he leaned on his preparation.

“I was just ready for the moment,” Lockhart said. “I dedicated myself with my preparation. I’m always ready for the pressure. It’s just been built in me since I was little.”

His performance helped lead the Tigers to the SWAC Championship Game while establishing him as one of the conference’s breakout freshmen.

Learning From JSU Veterans

Lockhart also credited former Jackson State quarterback Jacobian Morgan with helping him mature into a starting quarterback.

I learned a lot from him. He’s very detailed in what he does. He has great character on and off the field. He’s a great leader. Great mentor.

Lockhart said watching Morgan’s daily preparation helped him understand what it meant to be the leader of Jackson State’s offense.

A Recruiting Journey Built on Loyalty

Lockhart’s path to Jackson State took an unexpected turn. After attending West Mecklenburg High School before transferring to Porter Ridge and Myers Park High School, a knee injury during his senior season derailed a planned commitment to Syracuse. However, Jackson State never stopped recruiting him.

“Jackson State was still hitting my phone,” Lockhart said. “T.C. was calling me while I was in the hospital with a broke knee. It just showed me how much love and support I had behind Jackson State.”

That loyalty ultimately convinced Lockhart that Jackson was where he belonged. “Once I went on my official visit, it showed me a lot of love and it just looked like home where I’m supposed to be.”

Eyes on Atlanta

After reaching the SWAC Championship Game as a true freshman, Lockhart knows expectations are much higher entering the 2026 season.

“We’ve just been preaching on getting better each and every day,” Lockhart said. “Only ourselves can take us out of where we want to be. We want to go to Atlanta. That’s where we’re going to get to.”

With another offseason under his belt, a talented roster around him and years of mentorship from Cam Newton influencing his approach, Lockhart appears poised to become one of the faces of HBCU football this fall. If his freshman season was an introduction, the 2026 campaign could be the year Jared Lockhart establishes himself among the elite quarterbacks in the FCS — and perhaps the next great signal-caller to emerge from Jackson State.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.