Jacksonville State will be making its first trip to California since 1980 next season.
The program announced on Thursday that it has agreed to a two-game football series with San Jose State, with the first to be played in San Jose, California, on Sept. 26, 2026.
The second is set for Sept. 22, 2035, at Jacksonville State.
According to the contract obtained by AL.com through a public records request, there are no financial arrangements or payments between either team for the game and each school will be responsible for its own travel expenses and conference fees.
San Jose State head coach Ken Niumatalolo watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)AP
Should one of the schools cancel the game without a reason of “condition beyond its control” (Acts of God, government restrictions, wars, etc.) it will owe the other school $1 million.
The payment would then be due 30 days after the game was originally scheduled to be played. The contract may be terminated at any time with written mutual consent from both schools.
The two schools originally had a game set for 2023, with San Jose State canceling the game and Jax State playing Louisville instead.
According to the contract, the visiting team will receive up to 400 complimentary tickets, with band members and cheerleaders admitted into the game at no cost.
The home team will retain all rights and control of program sales, concessions and parking for the game.
Jax State finished last season 9-5, beating Troy in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl with a 17-13 victory. San Jose State went 3-9 last season and 2-6 in Mountain West Conference play.