What it meant for Jackson State' WR Nate Rembert to have career night vs former team

Jackson State football quarterback Jared Lockhart could find no real-life comparison for wide receiver Nate Rembert 's performance in the home opener.

Rembert finished with a career-high 179 yards on four receptions in 66-14 win for JSU (2-0) over Division II Edward Waters (1-1) at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sept. 5. All four receptions went for more than 20 yards, and three were gains of 50-plus yards.

"He's like a video game," Lockhart said of Rembert. "Like NCAA. It's a blessing to have him."

The night was memorable for Rembert for more than just his standout performance. Rembert's NCAA career began at EWU in 2023.

Tiger fans met the new Jackson State football team at Bleed Thee Blue Fall Fan Fest

As a freshman he led EWU in receiving touchdowns and finished second on the team in receiving yards to make the All-SIAC first team. His time at EWU built the foundation for his Jackson State career, which includes two All-SWAC honors.

"It was a blessing to be out here, honestly," Rembert said. "I went there in 2023, my freshman year, and my last year, to be able to play against them, it's just a blessing."

Rembert got eligibility in 2026 from a preliminary injunction in a suit against the NCAA.

Rembert graduated from high school in 2021 but didn't begin NCAA competition until 2023. However, the NCAA argued that the time he didn't play football while attending a community college should count against his eligibility.

The fifth-year player made his extra year count against EWU, leading JSU in receiving yards and completing several highlight-worthy plays. Rembert's long receptions came with their fair share of jukes and speed bursts. Of his 179 yards, 119 were gained after the catch.

One play in the third quarter drew a comparison to Reggie Bush in the postgame press conference. Rembert caught the pass on the left side of the field and reversed course, running backward several yards behind the line of scrimmage before finding a 24-yard gain to get JSU across midfield.

"I just seen a whole bunch of their guys setting the edge," Rembert said. "… Now, I wanted to cut, but I'm like, forget it. I'm just going to make something happen. And then when I almost stumbled, I was like, I can't fall because then I'm going to get cussed out. I'm just glad I got the first down and got some yardage on it and make do what I could make do."

Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger . Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65 .