Oklahoma State football has been searching for a spark all season, and they may have found it in one of the most unique players in college football — Sam Jackson V. The former four-star recruit has had a winding journey through the college ranks, and now he finds himself back under center, tasked with leading the Cowboys’ offense in a moment of uncertainty and opportunity. But who is Sam Jackson V, and how did he get here?
A Promising Start Cut Short by the Pandemic
Jackson’s football journey began in Illinois, where he was one of the most electric high school athletes in the state. Starting his prep career at Bolingbrook High School, Jackson originally made his name as a wide receiver. As a sophomore in 2018, he caught 50 passes for 847 yards and 14 touchdowns, showcasing elite athleticism, burst, and field awareness. His future seemed destined for the spotlight.
Then came the 2019 season — a turning point. Jackson was converted to quarterback and didn’t disappoint. He passed for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns, solidifying himself as a true dual-threat prospect with big-time upside. But just as he began to hit his stride, the COVID-19 pandemic cut his high school career short in 2020, forcing many scouts to evaluate him based on limited film and projection.
Even with the shortened senior year, Jackson’s potential was undeniable. He was rated a four-star dual-threat quarterback, ranked as the No. 13 QB nationally in the 247Sports Composite, and was ESPN’s No. 1 player in Illinois. His offer sheet reflected that promise — Notre Dame, Oregon, Minnesota, Purdue, and several others came calling. Ultimately, Jackson chose TCU.
Stops at TCU and Cal: Development, Injuries, and Patience
Jackson’s time at TCU started slow. He played in just two games as a true freshman, preserving his redshirt status. The following year, his redshirt freshman season, saw slightly more action, with appearances in five games, but his usage remained sporadic and inconsistent. With the depth chart crowded and no clear path to starting, Jackson entered the transfer portal in search of a fresh opportunity.
That opportunity came at Cal in 2023, where Jackson began the year as the starting quarterback. He played in each of the first five games and led the team to victories in all three games he started. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted once again by injury. He didn’t appear in the final seven games of the season, derailing what had looked like a breakout year.
With a return to quarterback in question and still hungry to contribute, Jackson made another transition — this time, back to wide receiver. He transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2024 season, hoping to reignite his career by returning to the position where it all started in high school. But snaps were limited, and Jackson remained a player with all the tools but no real opportunity to showcase them.
The Road to Oklahoma State — and a New Chance at QB
In 2025, Jackson transferred again, landing at Oklahoma State, where he’s already done something unique: played both wide receiver and quarterback. Early in the season, he was part of a two-quarterback system alongside backup Zane Flores, being utilized in a variety of ways to give the Cowboys' offense a change of pace and some versatility.
Now, with Flores sidelined due to injury and starter Hauss Hejny also unavailable, the quarterback reins officially belong to Sam Jackson V.
Can Jackson Ignite the Offense or Is This His Last Shot?
Oklahoma State’s offense has struggled to find consistency all year, and while Jackson’s sample size is small, he brings an element of unpredictability and athleticism that the unit has been missing.
The question now becomes: Can Jackson take this opportunity and run with it — literally and figuratively? His background suggests he can. The athleticism is there. The arm strength is there. The leadership traits are evident. But in college football, especially in the Power Five, success comes down to more than just tools. It’s about execution, composure, and being able to deliver in the big moments.
If Jackson can settle into the quarterback role, execute the offense, and limit mistakes, there’s a path to not only finishing the season strong but also rewriting the narrative of his career. But if the struggles continue, and Oklahoma State continues to pile up losses, this stint could mark his final chapter as a starting quarterback at the FBS level.
Final Thoughts
Sam Jackson V’s journey is anything but conventional. From wide receiver to quarterback, back to receiver, and now once again under center, his career has been defined by movement, transition, and perseverance. Now, he gets another shot to remind everyone why he was once the No. 1 quarterback in Illinois.
For Oklahoma State, he’s not just the next man up. He might be the best hope for injecting energy and excitement into a stagnant offense. Whether this is a career resurgence or a final trial, all eyes are on Sam Jackson V this weekend. And for the first time in a long time, the ball is in his hands — right where he’s always believed it belonged.