Still one of the more slept-on defenders across the state for the 2026 class, Jackson doesn’t have ideal height or length, but he’s a natural pass-rusher and a menace to block for anyone lined up against him. He led the entire 2026 class in sacks last season as he got to the quarterback an eye-opening 15 times while adding 31 more QB hurries. He’s lightning quick off the snap, closes well on the ball-carrier and knows how to make play after play in the backfield. Look for him to be even better as a senior in 2025.

A consistent force in the middle of Union Grove’s defense this fall, Jackson was dominant all year long as a junior, creating havoc in the backfield on a weekly basis. One of the more productive defenders across the state in the 2026 class, Jackson made an eye-popping 15 sacks last fall from his interior position with 31 more quarterback hurries in addition to his 68 tackles and 36.5 TFLs. He absolutely lit up the stat sheet and made impact plays in the backfield week after week. He’s an easy addition to the new 2026 rankings and should have another dominant season next fall as a senior.