Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (Md.) junior defensive lineman made headlines this weekend as he toured the UNC football program. During his visit, Jackson even caught a glimpse of the intense atmosphere at the Dean E. Smith Center while watching the UNC basketball team suffer an 82-69 home loss to archrival Duke on Saturday night.
By Sunday morning, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound three-star prospect had officially committed to Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels, sparking excitement among UNC fans and recruiting analysts alike. His decision adds another promising piece to what is shaping up to be a dynamic 2026 class.
According to 247Sports, Jackson currently ranks as the No. 87 defensive lineman in the nation for the 2026 cycle and holds the No. 19 spot among Maryland prospects. Despite receiving offers from numerous programs—including Toledo, Marshall, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Elon, Akron, Delaware, Liberty, Tulane, Buffalo, South Florida, and Miami—Jackson chose to join UNC. His commitment makes him the eighth football recruiting prize on the 2026 trail and marks a significant milestone as the Tar Heels secure their first defensive line addition of the class. Jackson is scheduled to return to Chapel Hill for an official visit the third weekend of June, a move that will further solidify UNC’s position. With the Tar Heels’ overall recruiting class currently ranked No. 25 nationally and No. 7 in the ACC, his arrival is seen as a major upgrade that could have a lasting impact on the program’s defensive prowess.
As UNC continues to build a competitive roster for 2026, Jackson’s blend of size, athleticism, and potential is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s ambitions. His decision reflects both his personal vision and UNC’s growing appeal as a destination for top-tier talent in the highly competitive recruiting landscape.
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