Jermaine Jackson Bio
Jermaine Jackson (born June 2, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the San Mateo Bulldogs and the Idaho Vandals before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and listed at 170 pounds, Jackson is known for his work in the return game and his development through multiple collegiate stops.
Early Life and Background
Jackson was born on June 2, 2000, and grew up in Oakland, California. He attended San Leandro High School in California, where he developed into a multi-purpose offensive threat. As a senior, he totaled 751 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, while also adding 595 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns, showing the versatility that would later define his college and professional profile.
While in high school, Jackson was a member of the United States national junior American football team, an experience that exposed him to a higher level of competition and helped shape his path toward collegiate football. His production in the Bay Area drew attention from junior college programs and laid the groundwork for his future in the sport.
Path to American Football
Jackson began his collegiate career at the College of San Mateo in 2018, where he recorded 14 receptions for 174 yards as a freshman. In 2019, he helped the Bulldogs to a conference championship and an overall record of 12–1, finishing with 47 receptions for 622 yards, 1,303 all-purpose yards, and 11 total touchdowns. His play that season earned him first-team all-state recognition.
Looking to test himself at the NCAA Division I FCS level, Jackson transferred to the Idaho Vandals for the 2020 season, which was postponed to spring 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His debut, however, was cut short by a torn ACL and MCL suffered on his second attempted kickoff return in his first game. He redshirted during the fall 2021 season, appearing in four games and recording eight receptions for 93 yards as he worked his way back from injury.
Jermaine Jackson Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Jackson’s first two college seasons at the College of San Mateo established him as a dynamic playmaker at the junior college level. His 2019 campaign stood out, with the Bulldogs claiming a conference title and Jackson emerging as a first-team all-state selection. The production during that stretch gave him the resume needed to move up to Division I football.
His early Idaho tenure was defined by perseverance. After his opening-game knee injury in the spring 2021 season, Jackson returned to play in four games in fall 2021 before redshirting. He finished that period with eight receptions for 93 yards, laying a foundation for the breakthrough that would follow.
Idaho Vandals Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Jackson enjoyed a breakout redshirt junior season in 2022, totaling 54 receptions for 1,049 yards and four receiving touchdowns. He added a punt return touchdown and a kickoff return touchdown, showcasing his value on special teams. For his performance, he was named a first-team All-Big Sky Conference selection at both wide receiver and punt returner.
As a redshirt senior in 2023, Jackson played all 13 games and finished with 48 receptions for 593 yards, 18 punt returns for 332 yards, and 18 kick returns for 478 yards. He scored two receiving touchdowns and two punt return touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big Sky honors at both wide receiver and punt returner. Across his Idaho career, he totaled 107 receptions for 1,687 yards and six touchdowns, along with 666 kick return yards and 604 punt return yards, scoring four return touchdowns.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024)
After going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jackson signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent, on a contract that included $150,000 guaranteed. He was waived/injured by the Saints on August 3, 2024, before being re-signed to the practice squad on October 1. Following an injury to Rashid Shaheed, Jackson was signed off the practice squad to the active roster on October 17, ahead of the team’s Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos. He was waived on November 16 and re-signed to the practice squad, closing out his rookie NFL season.
BC Lions Era (2025–Present)
On April 18, 2025, Jackson signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, beginning a new chapter north of the border. He was placed on the Lions’ 1-game injured list on June 12, 2025, before rejoining the active roster on June 19, 2025. On July 13, 2025, Jackson was again placed on the 1-game injured list after suffering an injury during the previous week’s game against the Montreal Alouettes, where he spent the remainder of the 2025 CFL season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jackson’s game is built on versatility and special teams value. His track record as a punt and kickoff returner at Idaho, where he scored four return touchdowns, demonstrates his field vision and burst in the open field. He has shown the ability to line up outside at wide receiver while also contributing as a return specialist, making him a multi-phase contributor at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career milestones, Jackson earned first-team All-Big Sky Conference honors in 2022 at both wide receiver and punt returner, a rare double distinction. He signed his first NFL contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2024 and reached an NFL active roster in October 2024 against the Denver Broncos. His move to the BC Lions in 2025 marked his transition to the Canadian Football League.
Jermaine Jackson Career Wins
Jackson’s win totals at the professional level are not fully documented in the available verified sources. His most celebrated achievements remain his All-Big Sky selections at Idaho, where he was recognized as one of the top wide receivers and return men in the conference across consecutive seasons.
Idaho Vandals Highlights
During his time at Idaho, Jackson posted 107 receptions for 1,687 yards and six touchdowns across his career, while also accumulating 666 kick return yards and 604 punt return yards with four return touchdowns. His 2022 season was his statistical peak, with 1,049 receiving yards and four total return scores. He closed his Idaho career with second-team All-Big Sky honors in 2023.
Other Wins and Performances
At the College of San Mateo, Jackson helped lead the Bulldogs to a conference championship and a 12–1 record in 2019, a season that earned him first-team all-state recognition. His high school career at San Leandro included 751 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns as a senior, along with 595 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
2025 Season Performance
Jackson’s 2025 season has been shaped by his transition to the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions. After signing in April 2025, he was placed on the 1-game injured list in mid-June before returning to the active roster on June 19. His season was further interrupted in mid-July when an injury suffered against the Montreal Alouettes led to another stint on the 1-game injured list, where he remained for the balance of the 2025 CFL season.
Despite the injury setbacks, Jackson’s path to a professional roster in two leagues, including an active NFL appearance with New Orleans in 2024, marks a notable trajectory. His special teams background and All-Big Sky resume give him a clear developmental roadmap heading into future CFL seasons.
Looking ahead, Jackson’s combination of return ability and slot-receiver skill set fits the structure of the Canadian game, where return specialists often play expanded roles. Continued health and a full training camp would position him to compete for a larger offensive and special teams role with the Lions in the seasons to come.