QUAAAACK: Devin Jackson Commit Impact

 

 

The Ducks picked up their third commitment of the week today with the announcement from Orlando (FL) First Academy High safety DevinJackson, who chose Oregon over Nebraska, Miami, LSU, and Florida.

With the announcement, Jackson becomes the 13th known commitment to the 2026 class and the second safety in the group, joining Jett Washington, who committed last month. 

COMMIT IMPACT:

This is one of those commitments that could fly under the radar nationally simply because of the star power in Oregon’s current recruiting class and the talent returning from the 2025 cycle. But make no mistake — Jackson is a major addition. Oregon has been in pursuit of Jackson for a long time, dating back to early evaluations during his junior year. When he decommitted from Miami in April, the Ducks wasted no time, intensifying their efforts and establishing themselves as a top contender.

Jackson brings a skill set that aligns perfectly with Oregon’s recent shift toward a more aggressive, versatile secondary. He plays with natural instinct and range, and he’s shown the ability to come downhill and support against the run while still being a reliable cover defender in deep and intermediate zones. His football IQ and anticipation stand out on film — he diagnoses plays quickly and consistently finds himself in the right position to make a play on the ball.

POSITION IMPACT:

The staff’s plan for this class always included taking two safeties, and with Jackson’s commitment, that blueprint is now complete. After Joey O’Brien chose Notre Dame, Oregon immediately pivoted and went all-in on Jackson, seeing him as a priority piece to pair with Washington. Together, they give the Ducks a pair of safeties with elite athletic traits, length, and complementary skill sets that can be molded into one of the Big-10’s top tandems in future seasons.

This commitment also underscores Oregon’s focus on rebuilding its defensive backfield with an eye on closing the gap against high-level passing attacks. Under Dan Lanning, the Ducks have struggled at times to contain explosive offenses, in large part due to inconsistent safety play and a lack of depth. Adding Jackson, who is listed at 6-2 with impressive wingspan and fluid hips, is a step toward transforming that narrative. His versatility allows him to line up at multiple spots, including as a single-high safety, in two-deep shells, or even closer to the box in sub-packages — exactly the kind of flexibility Oregon wants.

 

COMMITMENT THOUGHTS:

Landing a four-star safety is always a significant win, but securing one from Florida — a region long known for producing elite defensive backs — is even more impressive. There’s a reason programs like LSU and Florida were all in on Jackson, and his choice to leave the Southeast for Eugene speaks volumes about Oregon’s continued national pull and the relationships this staff continues to build across the country.

Jackson’s combination of length, speed, and physicality will allow him to make an immediate impact on special teams and compete for rotational snaps early in his career. Long term, he has the potential to develop into an every-down starter and an anchor for Oregon’s secondary.

Overall, this is a high-upside, high-ceiling addition that further solidifies Oregon’s commitment to building a defense capable of matching the program’s explosive offense. Jackson is exactly the type of player you win big games with, and his commitment is a testament to Oregon’s evolving recruiting strategy and national ambition.