Clayton State Student Takes the Field at SEC Championship Game as a Proud ROTC Cadet

(December 17, 2025) - Clayton State University junior Maya Jackson experienced a moment of national pride on one of college football’s biggest stages. Alongside fellow Army ROTC cadets, Jackson took the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to help carry and unfold a massive American flag ahead of the SEC Championship game between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Jackson, a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, was selected to participate in the nationally televised pregame show, joining 80–100 cadets from ROTC programs across multiple schools. Dressed in a full military uniform, she helped display a giant United States of America flag as the national anthem was performed in front of a crowd of nearly 90,000 fans.  

“It was my first time doing an event that big,” Jackson said. “When we walked out, and I saw how full the stadium was, I was nervous at first. But then I reminded myself that I wasn’t doing it alone.” 

The event required significant preparation. Cadets rehearsed the night before the game, practicing alongside both the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia marching bands. On game day, they arrived early before stepping onto the field during the pregame show.  

“The bands started playing the national anthem, and that’s when we walked out and held the flag,” Jackson explained. “There were also individual cadets holding SEC flags around the field.” 

Although television coverage focused on other angles, Jackson said friends and family captured photos and videos of her participation. The experience was made even more memorable by the atmosphere surrounding the game, Jackson recalled. “We saw Cam Newton walk through the tunnel before the ceremony,” she said. “That was really cool. Ludacris was there too.” 

After the ceremony, the ROTC group stayed to enjoy the game and received thanks and appreciation from fans throughout the stadium. Jackson and her peers watched most of the matchup from the upper levels and circulated throughout the stadium. Proud of the role she played at the SEC Championship game, Jackson described the experience as unforgettable.  “This was definitely the biggest event I’ve done so far,” she said. “It was an honor to be part of something so meaningful.” 

Currently a junior at Clayton State studying Film, Communication, and Performing Arts (FCPA), Jackson has been involved in ROTC since August and attended Basic Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, over the summer. She said it was a demanding 31-day experience that tested cadets physically, mentally, and emotionally. “It was long days, up at 4 a.m., not sleeping until 11 p.m.,” she said. “But it really prepares you.” 
 

Looking ahead, Jackson hopes to participate in other color guard ceremonies at community and state events while serving in the ROTC.  

In addition to ROTC, she serves as an orientation leader on campus at Clayton State University and is exploring internships related to social media, public relations, and public affairs. 

Jackson plans to graduate in Spring 2027 and is working toward becoming an Army officer, with future decisions pending between active duty and the reserves.