Jackson was born in Atlanta, Georgia where he attended high school at The Lovett School. Coming out of high school, Jackson was rated as the 24th best linebacker, where he held offers from Duke, Northwestern, Texas A&M and Virginia.[1] Jackson decided to commit to play college football for the Virginia Cavaliers.[2][3]
College career
Virginia
In Jackson's first career season in 2019, he tallied 28 tackles with one being for a loss, and half a sack.[4] In week eight of the 2020 season, Jackson notched a career 16 tackles in a loss to Miami.[5] Jackson finished the 2020 season with 103 tackles with six going for a loss, two and a half sacks, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and two receptions for 34 yards.[6] During the 2021 season, Jackson notched 117 tackles with six being for a loss, two and a half sacks, and two pass deflections.[7] In week nine of the 2022 season versus Miami 14 tackles with half a tackle being for a loss, and a pass deflection, where he was named the ACC linebacker of the week for his performance.[8] Jackson finished the 2022 season with 104 tackles and five sacks, where for his performance he was named second team all ACC.[9] After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Jackson decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal.[10][11]
Iowa
Jackson decided to transfer to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes to finish out his career.[12][13] In week two of the 2023 season, Versus Iowa State, Jackson totaled nine tackles in a win.[14] In week five, Jackson was named the Big Ten co-defensive player of the week in a 26-16 win over Michigan State.[15] For his performance on the 2023 season, Jackson was named third team all Big-Ten.[16]