Jamar Ricketts Bio
Jamar Ricketts (born October 24, 2001) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. Wears the number 2 jersey for his current club and has competed in USL League Two during his developmental years before joining the first team. Recognized for his offensive contributions from the back line, he became one of the highest-drafted players in Cal State Northridge history after a standout college career.
Early Life and Background
Raised in Montclair, New Jersey, Jamar Ricketts grew up in a community with a strong soccer tradition. He attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, where he played prep soccer and developed the technical foundation that would shape his future career. He graduated from the school in 2020.
During his formative years, Ricketts played youth soccer with the Cedar Stars Academy, one of the noted development programs in the region. His time at the academy helped him sharpen his skills and prepared him for the next step in his soccer journey.
Path to Soccer
After high school, Ricketts began attending California State University, Northridge in 2020, where he joined the men’s soccer program. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so his competitive college career did not begin until the fall of 2021.
That first active season ended with recognition, as he was named to the Big West Conference All-Freshman Team. The following year, in 2022, he elevated his game further, earning selection to the All-Big West First Team and the All-Far West Region Second Team.
Heading into his final college season, Ricketts was named to the All-Preseason Team and identified as an NCAA Player to Watch. In September 2023, he was honored as the Big West Offensive Player of the Week, and on October 18, 2023, he scored a brace in a 2–1 victory over the UC San Diego Tritons.
Jamar Ricketts Career
Early Career (2021–2023)
While still developing as a college player, Jamar Ricketts gained experience in competitive summer and developmental leagues. In 2021, he played with the Cedar Stars Rush in USL League Two, getting his first taste of higher-level competition. The following year, in 2022, he joined Central Valley Fuego FC 2, where he continued to refine his game.
In 2023, Ricketts played with the Ventura County Fusion, a well-known USL League Two side. His performances in these developmental environments, combined with his college success, helped build his profile ahead of the professional draft.
San Jose Earthquakes Era (2024–Present)
At the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Ricketts was selected in the first round, 13th overall, by the San Jose Earthquakes. He became the second-highest drafted player in Cal State Northridge history with the selection. In February 2024, he signed a one-year contract with options for 2025 through 2027 with the club.
During his rookie season, Ricketts spent time with San Jose’s MLS Next Pro affiliate, then known as San Jose Earthquakes II or The Town FC. On October 27, 2024, he scored his first professional goal in a playoff loss to St. Louis City SC 2. He later scored his first MLS goal on February 22, 2025, in a 4-0 victory over Real Salt Lake.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ricketts’s selection at 13th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft marked a defining moment in his young career. His first professional goal and his first MLS goal both came during his first two seasons with the San Jose organization, underscoring a steady rise from developmental leagues to Major League Soccer.
Jamar Ricketts Career Wins
While individual award totals are limited, Jamar Ricketts has accumulated notable team results and personal milestones across college and professional play, including regular-season victories with Cal State Northridge and an MLS win over Real Salt Lake.
College and Club Highlights
At Cal State Northridge, Ricketts was a two-time All-Big West First Team selection (2022 and 2023) and a two-time All-Far West Region Second Team honoree. He was also named Big West Offensive Player of the Week in September 2023 and capped his college career with an invitation to the 2023 Adidas MLS College Showcase.
Other Wins and Performances
His early professional resume includes appearances in USL League Two and developmental competitions that helped prepare him for the demands of Major League Soccer.
Jamar Ricketts Family
Personal Life
Jamar Ricketts was raised in Montclair, New Jersey. Details about his parents, spouse, and children are not publicly confirmed in available sources. He attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School and later California State University, Northridge.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Jamar Ricketts’s second year under contract with the San Jose Earthquakes, following a rookie campaign split between the first team and the MLS Next Pro affiliate. He opened his MLS account on February 22, 2025, scoring in a 4-0 home victory over Real Salt Lake, an early signal of his growing role within the squad.
Ricketts is expected to continue competing for minutes as a defender while contributing offensively when opportunities arise. Wearing the number 2 jersey, he represents a young piece of the Earthquakes’ long-term plans under his contract that runs through the 2027 option year.
