Auburn’s 4-Star Receiver Jumps Back in Transfer Portal – For the Third Time in Two Years. The transfer portal is calling once again for Auburn wide receiver Sam Jackson V – making this his third stop in just two seasons. Jackson’s departure adds to a growing list of exits from the Tigers, bringing their offseason tally to 18 players on the move.
Once a prized four-star recruit in 2021, Jackson initially committed to TCU as a quarterback before shifting gears. His journey has been a whirlwind – transferring to Cal in early 2023, then landing at Auburn by December. In 2024, Jackson flashed his potential at receiver, grabbing two passes for 63 yards. Before that, he suited up for five games at quarterback with Cal, passing for 556 yards, five touchdowns, and two picks while adding 59 yards and a rushing score.
But Jackson’s history at wide receiver isn’t new – he dominated as a sophomore at Naperville Central, hauling in 50 passes for 847 yards and 14 touchdowns. That early success led him back to the position for the 2024 season. One of the big draws at Auburn? Teaming up with his former high school teammate and Auburn’s starting QB, Payton Thorne.
The Tigers wrapped up the year with a disappointing 2-6 SEC record, finishing 13th in the conference – but they did notch a thrilling upset over No. 15 Texas A&M in the home stretch. Jackson’s exit adds to a mass exodus that includes three quarterbacks, three wideouts, two offensive tackles, and two tight ends.
As Hugh Freeze gears up for his third season at the helm, he’ll be looking to improve on his 11-14 record and rebuild a roster hit hard by departure
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