Jackson State Elevates Trey Johnson as New Head Men's Basketball Coach

The former assistant coach will take over the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball program after the departure of Mo Williams.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:43pm

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking a basketball game or match down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors like deep orange, electric blue, and forest green, conceptually representing the new head coach's vision to elevate the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball program.The new head coach of the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball team, a former star player, aims to lead the program to new heights by drawing on the university's rich tradition and his own deep personal connection.Jackson Today

Jackson State University has officially named Trey Johnson as the new head coach of the men's basketball team. Johnson, a former standout player for the Tigers, has served as the Associate Head Coach for the past four seasons and has been instrumental in developing top talent and mentoring All-SWAC performers.

Why it matters

Johnson's promotion to head coach represents a homecoming for the former Jackson State star player. As an alumnus, he brings a deep understanding of the program's history and tradition, which he hopes to build upon to elevate the Tigers to new heights.

The details

Johnson began his collegiate coaching career at Alabama State University in 2020, where he served as Associate Head Coach for two seasons. During his tenure, he played a key role in player development, recruiting, and game strategy, helping guide the program's growth and competitiveness within the conference. Now, he returns to his alma mater to take over the head coaching duties.

  • Johnson served as the Associate Head Coach at Jackson State over the past four seasons.
  • He began his collegiate coaching career at Alabama State University in 2020, where he served as Associate Head Coach for two seasons.

The players

Trey Johnson

The new head coach of the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball program. He is a former standout player for the Tigers and has served as the Associate Head Coach for the past four seasons, where he has been instrumental in developing top talent and mentoring All-SWAC performers.

Mo Williams

The former head coach of the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball program, who has departed the team.

Janai Rayner-Powell

A former Defensive Player of the Year (2023) for the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball team, who was mentored by Trey Johnson.

Ken Evans Jr.

A former Player of the Year (2024) for the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball team, who was mentored by Trey Johnson.

Coltie Young

A former Freshman of the Year (2025) for the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball team, who was mentored by Trey Johnson.

Zeke Moore

A former Player of the Year (2026) and Bailey Howell Trophy Finalist (2026) for the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball team, who was mentored by Trey Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“There are not many chances you get to have one of your own lead a program, and we have that with Trey Johnson. He brings a championship pedigree as a player here at Jackson State and has won at every level as a player and a coach. We are excited about the opportunity of having a former Tiger lead our men's basketball program.”

— Thomas Robinson, Jackson University Division of Athletics Vice President/Director of Athletics

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be chosen to lead the men's basketball program here at my Alma mater. This university is more than just a place to me, it is part of my foundation, my character, the fabric of who I am. As a former student-athlete and champion here, I understand firsthand the pride, passion, and tradition that define this program and this community. My family's rich history with Jackson State has shaped my life's journey. This opportunity is personal. It's about pouring back into the same institution and city that poured so much into me, while honoring those who came before me and building something that future Tigers will be proud to carry forward.”

— Trey Johnson

The takeaway

Trey Johnson's promotion to head coach of the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball team represents a homecoming for the former standout player. As an alumnus with deep ties to the program and community, he is poised to build upon the team's rich tradition and elevate the Tigers to new heights.