Antione Jackson Transfer Portal: Top 5 landing spots for UCF CB ft. Florida State
UCF cornerback Antione Jackson didn't let the grass grow under his feet. The Knights' season ended Saturday and Jackson has already announced his intent to enter the transfer portal. Jackson played at East Carolina in 2023 and then transferred to UCF in 2024. He's now ready to move along again.
Jackson has shown some skills at each of his two stops. He had 19 tackles and three pass breakups, including an interception returned for a score in 2023. In 2024 with UCF, Jackson totaled 13 tackles and four pass breakups, including another interception.
Here's a closer look at five possible landing spots for Antione Jackson via the transfer portal.
Antione Jackson Transfer Portal: 5 possible landing spots for UCF CB
#5. Miami
Jackson had committed to Miami early in the recruiting process out of high school and signed with Miami in December 2022. But he asked to be released from his letter of intent in March 2023, instead opting to play at East Carolina.
Jackson was a four-star recruit out of high school and has been a productive part of a pair of programs. It's possible that whatever wires were crossed between Jackson and Miami might no longer be a problem. The Hurricanes have continued their ascent through college football and after playing for a pair of lesser teams, Jackson might go all-in on his third destination.
#4. Colorado
Another of the recruiting finalists for Jackson out of high school was Colorado. At the time, "Coach Prime" was still an uncertain quality. Two years later, he's a Colorado institution. But Sanders hasn't been shy about shuttling players in and out of town. Jackson could be the next one.
Meanwhile, the attraction in Colorado is obvious. Like Miami, Colorado seems destined to just miss the College Football Playoff in 2024. But that's a big step up from East Carolina and UCF. Meanwhile, Deion Sanders is one of the most exciting young coaches in football and has a wealth of knowledge about playing defensive back. Jackson might choose Colorado this time.
#3. Cincinnati
On the other hand, Cincinnati was a transfer consideration for Jackson a season ago. Scott Satterfield and the Bearcats just missed a bowl this year, going 5-7 with four one-score losses. Jackson could help get the Bearcats over the hump and into postseason play.
Cincinnati seems like a solid plug-and-play destination for Jackson. The Bearcats managed just five total interceptions a year ago and Jackson would likely be able to come to campus in the spring and make strides toward claiming a starting job for the 2025 season. Cincinnati might not be the flashiest choice, but it is likely a solid option for Jackson.
#2. Kentucky
After a disappointing 4-8 season, Kentucky is looking to reload and an injury-prone secondary could use some help. Mark Stoops and the Wildcats would likely be attracted to a two-year option at defensive back. Kentucky has had success working defensive backs into NFL roles, but again, the program had a down year.
It's the same geographical part of the country as Cincinnati but does have the advantage of being a school in the toughest league in college football. If Jackson wants a major step up in competition, Kentucky could certainly afford him that opportunity. The thin Wildcat secondary would likely welcome Jackson immediately.
#1. Florida State
Jackson's coach at UCF was Gus Malzahn. Malzahn has already moved along and will be the offensive coordinator next season at Florida State. FSU is off an awful 2-10 season and could probably use help in the secondary. The Seminoles snagged only four interceptions all season.
As with several of the schools above, Jackson's pro possibilities would likely be improved by getting exposure in one of the sport's top leagues. Meanwhile, off perhaps the most disappointing season in program history, Florida State is certainly in need of plenty of help. As Jackson's prior coach, Malzahn can certainly vouch for his former player with the FSU defensive brass.
Where do you think Jackson will end up continuing his college football career? Share your theory below in our comments section!