Dan Lanning posts heartfelt tribute following death of Khyree Jackson

Former Oregon and Alabama defensive back Khyree Jackson was killed in an automobile accident, his agent and former high school coach confirmed on Saturday morning, according to James Crepea of The Oregonian.

Shortly after reports emerged of his death, his former coach reached out on Twitter to express his grief.

“RIP Khyree,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning wrote. “Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person.”

Khyree Jackson was 24.

The accident that claimed the life of Jackson also claimed the lives of former Florida State and Penn State player Anthony Lytton Jr. and former Maryland and Charlotte player Isaiah Hazel.

He was just enjoying the fruits of a long and successful college career, having been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was a fourth-round selection, taken with the No. 108 overall pick in the draft.

Jackson initially started his college career at Fort Scott CC, where he spent one season and began to make a name for himself.

He then went on to Alabama, where he even started in the 2021 national title game against Georgia. Jackson would spend another year with the Crimson Tide before entering the transfer portal and heading to Oregon.

Jackson was a standout immediately at Oregon, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023.

During his standout season with the Ducks, Jackson logged 34 tackles, 5.0 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks, three interceptions and seven pass breakups.

In two years at Alabama, Jackson recorded 14 tackles, 1.0 tackles for a loss and two passes defended.

Prior to enrolling at Alabama, Khyree Jackson was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 5 JUCO prospect in the nation in his class. He was the No. 2 JUCO cornerback in the class and the No. 3 JUCO player in the state of Mississippi.