When you hear "Jacksonville State," your first thought might be Florida's sunny beaches and orange groves. But you'd be wrong—and you're not alone.

As the Jacksonville State Gamecocks gear up to face UCF in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, many fans are asking the same question: Where exactly is Jax State? The answer might surprise you.

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Jacksonville State University is located in Jacksonville, Alabama—a charming college town about 90 miles east of Birmingham. It's a common mix-up, especially since Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the largest cities in the country and a household name.

But the confusion doesn't stop there. Some folks also confuse Jax State with Jackson State University, the historically Black university in Mississippi. The football media guides even include a note clarifying that the Gamecocks are indeed in Alabama, not Florida or Mississippi.

This weekend, the softball team will head to the Tallahassee Regional, where they'll face a trio of Florida-based teams: Florida State, UCF, and Stetson (which, by the way, is also not in Texas). It's a tall order, but the Gamecocks are ready to make their mark on the national stage.

So, whether you're cheering from the stands in Tallahassee or rocking your Jax State gear at home, remember: the Gamecocks may be a long way from the Sunshine State, but they're bringing plenty of heat.