JUPITER – Jayden Jackson is Ivy League-bound.
The true scholar-athlete, who has a 3.9 GPA and 4.8 HPA, signed with Columbia last Wednesday (Feb. 5) at Jupiter High School. He has been set on his decision since July 8, 2024, which was the day he verbally pledged his commitment to the New York City-based institution.
Jackson revealed why he went with Columbia.
“It was the family atmosphere and the opportunities an Ivy League degree would provide me,” the 6-foot-3, 175-pound athlete said. “A lot of people don’t get that opportunity, and it’s something I couldn’t pass up on. The coaches and the players really took care of me on my visit and made it really feel like home.”
Jackson was one of four Jupiter 2025 standouts who made recent history on National Signing Day. The other Jupiter seniors who signed with colleges for the largest group of honorees in at least recent memory were:
•Offensive lineman Joe DeSantis – Signed with Lenoir-Rhyne
•Defensive end David “DTre” Runner – Signed with Lenoir-Rhyne
•Kicker/punter Brogan Woeber – Signed with West Florida
Jackson spoke on this momentous occasion.
“It feels great,” Jackson said. “I’ve been playing with these guys for a while now. Me and DTre have been playing sports together since the fifth grade and Big Joe since the fifth grade, so it just feels so surreal making history with these guys. I know these guys personally and each college is getting a steal out of every single one of us.”
C3 Visuals / Jude Kolkana-jk.fliks / Bryan Woeber
The steady and smart play on the field is a big reason why Jackson was in position to earn a full scholarship from Columbia. As a senior, he posted the following statistics in eight games played:
•17 total tackles
•5 pass breakups
•1 interception
•1 fumble recovery
•Only 5 catches allowed in 16 attempts
•Only 1 touchdown allowed
Best individual game: Week 4 against Spanish River in a 28-13 win
•2 pass breakups
•1 tackle
•1 interception
“I had a game-sealing interception against Spanish River,” Jackson said. “When i was put at safety and baited the wheel route, we kept pointing out how they were running it every drive. So we finally started picking up on it.”
Jackson on how his senior season went overall:
“It went pretty well honestly,” Jackson said. “I probably had my best coverage wise season out of high school. But I could’ve cleaned a few more things and been more disciplined in more aspects. Other than that, it went pretty well.”
Jupiter assistant coach Cristian Orth shared his thoughts on Jackson.
“Jayden was huge for us this year,” Orth said. “Just like everyone else – we have no starters that are transfers – he was a four-year guy in the program and really made a big jump from junior to senior year. He’s a great kid that has near a 4.0 and is the on the top of National Honor Society. I’m excited for him at Columbia, as he has the potential to be really good at the next level. He’s still raw but his work ethic, 6-foot-3 frame, and track speed can propel him the next four years.”
PHOTO CREDITS: C3 Visuals / Jude Kolkana / Bryan Woeber
VIDEO CREDITS: Alex Kushel / Sun-Sentinel
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