Ja'Keem Jackson transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for Florida CB if he leaves the program ft. LSU
As the transfer portal activity heats up, cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson has announced his intention to enter the portal. Jackson has spent two seasons with the Florida Gators but missed most of 2024 due to injury. At UF, he recorded 11 tackles and four pass breakups.
With high demand for top defensive backs, Ja'Keem Jackson is expected to be as heavily recruited in the transfer portal as he was in high school. The 6-foot-1 Florida native is likely to draw interest from numerous top programs.
Ja'Keem Jackson transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for Florida CB
5. Tennessee
The graduation of Will Brooks will leave a spot open in the Tennessee secondary. The Vols were a finalist for Jackson in his original recruitment and might be intrigued once again. The biggest possible snag here is the quality depth already in place at Tennessee.
After injuries and depth limited his playing time at Florida, Ja'Keem Jackson may prioritize a transfer destination with a clear, immediate path to the field.
4. Penn State
Penn State, the only one of Ja'Keem Jackson's recruiting finalists outside the Southeastern Conference or the southern edge of the nation, could appeal if he's seeking a change of pace. Although Penn State retains most of its defensive backs, none of the returning cornerbacks recorded more than one interception in 2024.
Jackson might be looking for a change of scenery and pace. Jumping to the Big Ten and PSU would allow him to get a fresh start outside of the usual choices. He'd also still be able to potentially play for a playoff team and a national title contender.
3. Auburn
The Tigers were another finalist for Jackson and probably present a more immediate opportunity for playing time than most of the teams on this list. The Tigers could use help. While many of their defensive backs are likely to return, Jackson is the kind of talent not on the roster.
Auburn would allow Jackson to stay within the SEC, remain relatively close to home, and yet have what would likely be a better shot at day one playing time. Hugh Freeze recognizes that many around Auburn football are getting impatient and adding top athletes like Jackson could be a lifeline for the coach.
2. Kentucky
Speaking of coaches who could use immediate help, Kentucky is another possible option. The Wildcats recruited Jackson hard and can use immediate defensive backfield help. Injuries partially prompted the Wildcats' 4-8 season, but Brad White's defense has to be more effective against the pass.
Meanwhile, Kentucky has done a solid job of getting defensive backs into legitimate NFL shots. It's still in the SEC, and Jackson can probably be a day-one starter. The Wildcats would make a tremendous amount of sense for Jackson and would benefit massively from having him in the secondary.
1. LSU
The most immediate transfer possibility for Jackson might be LSU. After all, Corey Raymond was Jackson's primary recruiter in Florida, and he's now coaching for the Tigers. LSU went after Jackson out of high school as well. Meanwhile, in 2024, senior Zy Alexander was the only cornerback with any interceptions for the Tigers.
Brian Kelly's 8-4 season has prompted more than its fair share of hand-wringing. The Tigers would do well to add Jackson to their lineup. Meanwhile, LSU might be the perfect combination of still playing at a high level but working Jackson into a better playing time situation. Don't sleep on the Tigers to get this recruitment done.
Which portal stops do you like for Jackson? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!