JaQuae Jackson Bio
JaQuae Jackson is an American professional football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 30, 2000, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he played college football for the California Vulcans and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Throughout his college career, Jackson showcased his abilities on the field, culminating in a notable 2022 season where he earned Division II All-American status. After going unselected in the 2024 NFL draft, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent.
JaQuae Jackson Early Life and Background
JaQuae Jackson was born on January 30, 2000, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Standing at 6 ft 1 in and weighing 184 lb, he grew up in a region with a deep football tradition, which helped shape his early interest in the sport.
Jackson attended high school at Serra Catholic in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he developed his skills as a wide receiver. Coming out of high school, he committed to play college football for the California Vulcans, the athletic teams representing the University of California, Pennsylvania. This decision launched his journey through the college ranks and laid the foundation for his future professional career.
Path to American Football
Jackson began his college career with the California Vulcans, a Division II program in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In his first season in 2018, he did not appear in any games, taking a redshirt year to develop his body and adjust to the college level. During the 2019 season, he began to see action, tallying 13 receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns as he gained valuable experience within the PSAC West division.
Jackson’s development continued to progress, though his path included unexpected pauses. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting his on-field opportunities. In 2021, he emerged as a reliable target, totaling 58 receptions for 744 yards and eight touchdowns. Then, in 2022, Jackson produced a breakout campaign, leading his team with 77 receptions for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns. For that performance, he was named a Division II All-American and a First-team All-PSAC West selection.
After the 2022 season, Jackson entered the NCAA transfer portal and elected to transfer to Rutgers University to compete at the Division I FBS level. With the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in 2023, he appeared in 12 starts and finished the year with 22 receptions for 361 yards and one touchdown. A standout moment came in week two, when he hauled in four receptions for 95 yards in a win over Temple. Following the 2023 season, Jackson declared for the 2024 NFL draft.
JaQuae Jackson Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Jackson’s early career unfolded at the University of California, Pennsylvania, where he spent five seasons with the Vulcans. After a quiet start in 2018 and 2019, and a canceled 2020 campaign, he emerged as a premier playmaker in 2021 and a dominant offensive force in 2022. His 2022 totals of 77 receptions for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns established him as one of the top wide receivers in Division II football and earned him national recognition as an All-American.
His work with the California Vulcans provided a strong statistical foundation. The progression from limited playing time to a record-setting senior season illustrated his growth as a route runner and pass catcher. By the end of his tenure, he was widely regarded as one of the most productive wide receivers in program history.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Breakthrough (2023)
The move to Rutgers in 2023 represented a significant step up in competition, and Jackson transitioned smoothly into the Big Ten. Starting all 12 games for the Scarlet Knights, he finished his lone season with 22 receptions for 361 yards and one touchdown. While the raw numbers reflected a smaller role within a pro-style offense, his experience against top-level defensive backs prepared him for the rigors of professional football.
His debut for Rutgers came with a strong showing in a week-two victory over Temple, where he caught four passes for 95 yards. Jackson’s reliability as a possession receiver and his willingness to contribute on special teams helped him earn a steady role in the rotation. Following the 2023 season, he declared for the 2024 NFL draft, hoping to attract attention as a late-round prospect or priority free agent.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft, Jackson signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on June 4, 2024, and quickly claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots two days later. With the Patriots, Jackson made an early impression during the preseason, catching a 38-yard touchdown pass from Joe Milton against the Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2024. His time in New England was cut short by an injury suffered in a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, leading to a stint on injured reserve, and he was ultimately released on April 28, 2025.
On July 25, 2025, Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. He was released on August 26 but re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On January 13, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract with Los Angeles, securing his place on the team’s roster heading into the new league year. His persistence through multiple transactions has marked him as a determined developmental prospect within the Chargers’ wide receiver room.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Jackson’s most memorable professional moments is his 38-yard touchdown reception from Joe Milton during the 2024 preseason against the Carolina Panthers, which served as his first notable scoring play at the NFL level. In college, his 2022 season stands as a defining milestone, when he led the California Vulcans in receptions, yards, and touchdowns while earning All-American honors. His subsequent transfer to Rutgers and transition to the NFL further underscore a career built on perseverance.
JaQuae Jackson Career Wins
As a wide receiver, Jackson’s statistical milestones are measured in receptions, yards, and touchdowns rather than traditional win totals. Across his college and professional career, he has produced standout single-game performances, including a four-reception, 95-yard outing against Temple in 2023 and a 38-yard touchdown catch in the 2024 preseason.
California (PA) Highlights
During his time with the California Vulcans from 2018 to 2022, Jackson developed into one of the most productive wide receivers in the program. His senior season in 2022 was his most decorated, with 77 receptions for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with First-team All-PSAC West and Division II All-American recognition. Earlier, his 2021 totals of 58 receptions for 744 yards and eight touchdowns signaled his emergence as a primary offensive weapon.
Rutgers Highlights
In his lone season with Rutgers in 2023, Jackson contributed 22 receptions for 361 yards and one touchdown across 12 starts. While serving as a complementary piece in the Scarlet Knights’ offense, his experience at the Division I level helped bridge the gap between his Division II success and his professional opportunity.
JaQuae Jackson Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Jackson was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a region long associated with passionate football culture. Specific details about his parents and immediate family have not been publicly verified.
Personal Life
Jackson maintains his residence in connection with his NFL commitments and has kept his personal life largely private. No public information regarding a spouse, partner, or children is currently available.
2025 Season Performance
Jackson entered the 2025 season as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers after signing with the team on July 25, 2025. His initial stint with the club was short-lived, as he was released on August 26 before being re-signed to the practice squad the following day. This quick turnaround reflected the Chargers’ continued interest in retaining his developmental upside.
Through the 2025 campaign, Jackson served primarily in a practice squad capacity while continuing to develop within the Chargers’ wide receiver system. His preseason performances and practice habits kept him in the team’s plans heading into the offseason.
On January 13, 2026, Jackson signed a reserve/futures contract with Los Angeles, securing his roster position for the upcoming league year. Looking ahead, he remains a depth piece with an opportunity to compete for an expanded role as the Chargers shape their receiving corps.