JaQuae Jackson Bio
JaQuae Jackson (born January 30, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the California Vulcans and Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Throughout his college career, Jackson showcased his abilities on the field, culminating in a notable 2022 season where he achieved Division II All-American status. After not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent.
Early Life and Background
JaQuae Jackson was born on January 30, 2000, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, he attended high school at Serra Catholic, where he developed his skills as a wide receiver. His time at Serra Catholic laid the foundation for his future in football, and he emerged as a promising talent with the size and athleticism to compete at higher levels.
Coming out of high school, Jackson committed to play college football for the California Vulcans, the athletic program of California University of Pennsylvania. His decision to attend a Division II program allowed him the opportunity to develop his game and earn significant playing time early in his collegiate career. Jackson’s path reflected a steady, patient approach to building his professional prospects through consistent on-field production.
Path to American Football
Jackson began his collegiate career with the California Vulcans in 2018, where he spent his first four seasons developing as a wide receiver. After a redshirt first year and a cancelled 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he steadily increased his production, culminating in a standout 2022 campaign. That year, he led his team with 77 receptions for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning Division II All-American honors and First-team All-PSAC West recognition.
Following his breakout season at the Division II level, Jackson decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal and transferred to play for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The move to a Big Ten program represented a significant step up in competition and provided Jackson with a platform to showcase his abilities against higher-caliber opponents. His performance at Rutgers ultimately paved the way for his transition to the professional ranks.
JaQuae Jackson Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Jackson’s early college career at California (PA) was marked by gradual development. In his first season in 2018, he did not appear in any games. During the 2019 season, he tallied 13 receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns, providing a glimpse of his potential. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying his progress.
When play resumed, Jackson broke out during the 2021 season with 58 receptions for 744 yards and eight touchdowns. His production peaked in 2022, when he led the California Vulcans with 77 receptions for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns. For his performance that year, he was named a Division II All-American and earned First-team All-PSAC West honors.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2023)
In 2023, Jackson joined the Rutgers Scarlet Knights for his lone season with the program. He made an immediate impact in week two of the season, hauling in four receptions for 95 yards in a win over Temple. His ability to contribute as a reliable target in the passing game helped anchor the Rutgers receiving corps throughout the year.
Jackson finished his lone season at Rutgers with 22 receptions for 361 yards and one touchdown across 12 starts. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, he declared for the 2024 NFL draft, concluding a college career that spanned two programs and multiple levels of competition.
Atlanta Falcons (2024)
After not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, Jackson signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. His opportunity with the Falcons was brief, as he was waived on June 4, 2024, just days after joining the organization.
New England Patriots (2024–2025)
On June 6, 2024, Jackson was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots. During the 2024 preseason, he caught a 38-yard touchdown pass from Joe Milton in a game against the Carolina Panthers, demonstrating his playmaking ability at the professional level. On August 20, 2024, however, Jackson was placed on injured reserve after suffering an injury in a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jackson remained with the Patriots through the early part of 2025 before being released on April 28, 2025. His time in New England showcased flashes of potential despite the setback of injury.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025–Present)
On July 25, 2025, Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, marking his latest opportunity in the NFL. He was released on August 26, 2025, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Jackson continues to work toward securing a roster spot with the Chargers as he enters the next phase of his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jackson is listed at 6 feet 1 inch tall and 185 pounds, giving him a solid frame for the wide receiver position. His college production at both the Division II and FBS levels highlights his ability to function as a reliable pass-catching target. Jackson has demonstrated versatility as a receiver, contributing in multiple offensive schemes during his college and professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Jackson’s professional career came on August 8, 2024, when he caught a 38-yard touchdown pass from Joe Milton during the New England Patriots’ preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. His Division II All-American selection in 2022 stands as the crowning individual achievement of his college career.
JaQuae Jackson Career Highlights
Throughout his college and professional career, JaQuae Jackson has compiled a résumé that reflects steady progression across multiple levels of football. His most productive college season came in 2022 with the California Vulcans, when he recorded 77 receptions for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns. At Rutgers in 2023, he added 22 receptions for 361 yards and one touchdown across 12 starts.
College Highlights
Jackson’s college career featured significant statistical milestones, including his 2022 First-team All-PSAC West selection and Division II All-American recognition. His lone season at Rutgers in 2023 produced a standout performance in week two against Temple, where he posted four receptions for 95 yards. His combined college totals reflect a productive receiver who improved each season he saw the field.
Other Performances
Beyond his college achievements, Jackson’s professional resume includes a preseason touchdown with the New England Patriots in 2024. His brief stints with the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots provided valuable NFL experience before his current opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers.
JaQuae Jackson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
JaQuae Jackson was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he attended Serra Catholic High School. His roots in the Pittsburgh area shaped his early development as an athlete and laid the groundwork for his future in football.
Personal Life
Jackson has kept much of his personal life private, focusing publicly on his football career. Details about his family members and relationships have not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a period of transition for JaQuae Jackson. After being released by the New England Patriots on April 28, 2025, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on July 25, 2025. His release on August 26 and subsequent re-signing to the practice squad on August 27 demonstrated the fluid nature of his roster status as he works to establish himself in the Chargers’ offensive system.
Jackson’s path through multiple organizations since going undrafted in 2024 highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by undrafted receivers in the NFL. His experience at multiple professional stops, combined with a productive college résumé, provides a foundation for continued development at the professional level.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Jackson’s primary objective will be to translate his practice squad role into a more permanent place on the Chargers’ active roster. His combination of size, college production, and prior NFL experience positions him as a candidate to contribute when called upon.