Former South Pittsburg High running back charged with rape

Marion County Sheriff's Office / Ja'Mychal Buckner, 18. Marion County Sheriff's Office / Ja'Mychal Buckner, 18.

By Mason Edwards July 13, 2026 2 min read

Former South Pittsburg High School running back Ja’Mychal Buckner, 18, was arrested and charged with rape, according to police.

Sheriff’s deputies booked Buckner into jail Wednesday after an alleged sexual assault happened in Marion County on June 28, according to an arrest report. According to online Marion County Jail records, he remains in custody on a $2,500 bond.

A spring 2026 graduate, Buckner was a standout senior and three-year starter for the school’s football team. In February, Buckner was one of four South Pittsburg seniors who signed with college football programs.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / South Pittsburg senior running back Ja'Mychal Buckner collides with Sale Creek's Spencer Sluder during a game in Sale Creek in October 2025. — Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / South Pittsburg senior running back Ja’Mychal Buckner collides with Sale Creek’s Spencer Sluder during a game in Sale Creek in October 2025.

He helped the Pirates win the program’s eighth state championship, was a two-time Tennessee Mr. Football semifinalist and the Class 1A BlueCross Bowl MVP after a 204-yard, three-touchdown performance.