Darrell Jackson Jr. shares reaction to his hardship waiver being denied

Disappointing news came from the NCAA on Tuesday denying the hardship waiver of Florida State defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. He will not be eligible to play during the 2023 season after transferring in from Miami. Jackson began his college career at Maryland and is at his third school in as many years.

The reason Jackson came home was due to his mother, who is dealing with some health issues. She lives right outside of Tallahassee and Jackson wanted to come home to support her. While Jackson will still be able to help his Mom out, the NCAA deemed it not a good enough reason for a waiver.

A decision that hurt Jackson just less than a month from Florida State’s season opener against LSU.

“It was hurtful,” Jackson said. “Because I know what I came home for. I came home for my Mom. So, I’m just trying to get through it and be here for my Mom. She thinks it’s her fault but it’s not. I’ll continue to be there for my Mom and see how things play out.”

On3’s Matt Zenitz explained why Jackson’s waiver was denied, alongside North Carolina wide receiver Trez Walker. Zenitz says neither player fell under the NCAA’s revised set of guidelines put on in order to make the process of transferring twice without graduating more difficult.

Obviously, Jackson has not been able to graduate yet, leaving his eligibility up to a waiver. Unfortunate news for everybody involved in the situation but especially the player. Jackson just wanted to be there for his family while still being able to play football.

Darrell Jackson Jr. to play for Florida State in 2024

Jackson will now have to wait until the 2024 season to get back onto the football field. He has played just two years of college football and will thankfully have the opportunity to place once again. Florida State was hoping to have his defensive line presence this season, though.

Last season with Miami, Jackson recorded 27 tackles, three sacks, and 4.5 tackles for loss. A big impact player up the middle for head coach Mario Cristobal before transferring to their in-state and bitter ACC rival.

Florida State is projected to be just fine on the defensive line. Mike Norvell has built up the unit’s depth and feels good about it heading into the season. But still — losing somebody such as Jackson is never going to be a good feeling. Especially when it’s out of your control.

We will have to wait and see Jackson back on the field for the 2024 season opener.