Devin Jackson, the highly touted 2026 four-star safety out of The First Academy in Winter Garden, Florida, is ready to make one of the biggest decisions of his life. After a whirlwind recruiting cycle filled with visits, offers, and growing anticipation, the dynamic defensive back is now signaling that his commitment is imminent. And for the programs vying for his services, the time to make their final pitch is now.
Jackson, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing in at 190 pounds, has become one of the most coveted safeties in the 2026 recruiting class. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, aggressive tackling, and high football IQ, heβs drawn comparisons to elite collegiate safeties of recent years. His combination of physicality and intelligence makes him a rare breed in the back end of the defenseβone that can cover receivers like a corner but hit like a linebacker.
The Rise of a Star
Jacksonβs football journey began at a young age in central Florida, a region long known as a hotbed for elite athletic talent. At The First Academy, he emerged not only as a defensive standout but also as a vocal leader and student of the game. His sophomore season saw him rack up over 75 tackles, 5 interceptions, and numerous pass deflectionsβnumbers that only hint at his on-field dominance.
College scouts quickly took notice. Jacksonβs film showcases a player with fluid hips, explosive closing speed, and a knack for diagnosing plays before they unfold. Whether playing centerfield in zone coverage or locking up a slot receiver in man, he demonstrates versatility and maturity beyond his years.
The Recruitment Frenzy
As expected, Jacksonβs recruiting profile skyrocketed. Offers poured in from across the country, including SEC powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, as well as top programs from the Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. Schools like Michigan, Clemson, Texas, LSU, and Ohio State all entered the race, recognizing the impact a player of Jacksonβs caliber could have on their defensive future.
Heβs taken numerous unofficial visits and participated in camps, including standout performances at Under Armour and Rivals events. What set him apart, however, was not just his athleticism but his maturity during the process. Jackson has been deliberate, evaluating each program not just on its football prestige but also on academic offerings, coaching stability, and culture.
βDevin is one of the smartest players Iβve coached,β said his high school head coach. βHe doesnβt just want to play at the next levelβhe wants to thrive in the right system and grow as a man. Thatβs what makes him special.β
Commitment Imminent
Now, heading into the summer before his senior season, Jackson is reportedly ready to come off the board. Sources close to his recruitment suggest that he has narrowed his choices down to a final group of 4-5 schools and is preparing to make his decision public within the coming weeks.
Programs believed to be in the final mix include Georgia, Ohio State, Florida, and LSU, though the race has remained tight and relatively quiet by design. Jackson and his family have kept much of their decision-making process private, emphasizing a desire to avoid distractions and maintain focus on football and academics.
Recruiting analysts believe that whichever program lands Jackson will be getting not only a future starter but potentially an early impact player who could see the field in Year 1. His size, instincts, and tenacity make him a strong candidate to contribute on special teams and in sub-packages right away.
Whatβs Next?
As the countdown begins for Jacksonβs commitment, the college football world watches closely. His decision will send ripple effects through the 2026 class, especially for programs that have made safety a priority in this cycle.
For Jackson, the commitment is about much more than football. βI want to be part of something bigger,β he shared in a recent interview. βI want to go somewhere that feels like family, where I can win and grow into the man I want to be.β
Whichever program earns that commitment is not just gaining a four-star recruitβtheyβre landing a future leader, both on and off the field.
As the moment of truth approaches, one thing is clear: Devin Jackson is ready. The question now is, who will win the race for one of Floridaβs finest?
