After Deion Sanders departed from Jackson State at the end of the 2022-23 football season, the school experienced a decrease in revenue, leading to an increased reliance on subsidies to maintain the program's success. In fiscal 2024, the athletic department's subsidies rose from $5.2 million to $8.5 million, compensating for the revenue decline following Sanders' departure, which included a decrease in football ticket revenue from $3.2 million to $2 million.
Despite the financial challenges, Jackson State saw a 5% rise in football spending in the first fiscal year post-Sanders, reaching $14.8 million. The school's interim director of communications did not comment on the matter, and athletic director Ashley Robinson declined interviews. The departure of Sanders also saw a significant number of players transferring, including top prospects Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, impacting the team's performance and dynamics. Under new coach T.C. Taylor, the team achieved a 7-4 record in the following season, with notable successes including winning the conference title and securing a victory in the Celebration Bowl. Looking forward, Jackson State is set to participate in the Las Vegas HBCU Classic against Grambling State.