Four-star safety Devin Jackson—a 6-foot-2, 195-pound standout from First Academy in Orlando, FL—had an finalist group featuring Nebraska, LSU, Florida and Miami. However, he did not choose the Hurricanes; on July 3, 2025, Jackson committed to the Oregon Ducks, alongside their 2026 class .
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🏈 Why Oregon Won Out
Staff & scheme appeal: Jackson praised Oregon’s “good staff, good atmosphere, defensive head coach, and one of the top teams in the nation” .
Late momentum: National recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong and others trended heavily toward the Ducks just before decision day .
Finalists: Miami, Nebraska, LSU, Florida—Jackson had strong options, but Oregon emerged victorious .
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Jackson’s Profile
Class: 2026
Ratings: 4-star safety; ranked around top‑50 at safety position nationally .
High School: First Academy, Orlando, FL
Performance: Showed impressive versatility—sideline-to-sideline coverage, solid in both pass and run defense; totaled ~80 tackles and 2 INTs last season .
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Implications for Miami
Hurt recruiting class: Miami, ranked in top‑10 for the 2026 class, was aiming to bolster its secondary. Jackson’s potential addition could have been a game-changer .
Missed opportunity: Losing a top-tier safety to Oregon means Miami needs to pivot and target other elite defensive back talent.
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What’s Next?
For Jackson & Oregon: He’ll likely compete early for playing time in a Ducks secondary that values athletic, rangy safeties.
For Miami: Their coaching staff under Mario Cristobal will refocus recruiting efforts on securing top defensive back prospects—Jackson’s decision opens room for them to chase alternatives.
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Bottom Line
Devin Jackson committed to Oregon, not Miami, on July 3, 2025.
Miami was a strong contender but fell short in a highly anticipated recruitment.
Jackson represents a key defensive get for Oregon’s 2026 class, showcasing the value they placed on their defensive backfield.
Let me know if you’d like a deep dive into how this affects Miami’s overall class or what other safeties they’re still pursuing.