100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 75 Days - No. 75, OG Jacoby Jackson
Jeff Lebby’s era of Mississippi State football has arrived.
The Bulldogs are on their third coach in as many years as Mike Leach’s tragic passing opened the door for defensive coordinator Zach Arnett’s debut as head coach last year. That experiment failed before the year even ended for State and now it’s Lebby’s turn to take the wheel.
While there is always a risk in hiring first time head coaches, Lebby brings to Starkville an exciting offensive scheme that has been productive everywhere he’s been. The coach has also brought with him some swagger that has the fanbase ready to see what’s next.
Over the course of the next 100 days, we will take a look at Lebby’s roster and even some fun historical rewinds that will bring back memories for Dawg fans of all ages.
Today, we look at a transfer offensive lineman who is set to make an instant impact.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 75 Days – No. 75, Jr. OG Jacoby Jackson
In the offseason, the challenge for new coach Lebby and offensive line leader Cody Kennedy was to restructure the offensive front.
The Bulldogs had to replace some experienced starters at key positions and also upgrade the talent and they did just that. One of the players that Kennedy brought in to compete up front for a starting spot was Texas Tech lineman Jacoby Jackson.
The 6’6, 320-pound Jackson was a key part of the Red Raiders offensive line the last couple of seasons. After redshirting his first year on campus Jackson made his debut in 2022 and played in 12 of the 13 ball games. By the end of the year, he had developed into a big part of the front and started in the final five games at right guard.
Last season, Jackson played in all 13 games and had eight starts at left guard. On the season, Jackson played in nearly 600 snaps and had no sacks allowed with just three penalties against him.
Jackson played his high school football at Mansfield High School in Arlington, Texas. He was the state’s No. 92 player and the No. 75 offensive tackle nationally. His offer sheet was loaded down with teams from around the country as he pulled in Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Houston, Kansas, Iowa State, MSU, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, TCU, Purdue, Texas, Utah Vanderbilt and several others.
The stock even rose when Jackson hit the transfer portal as On3 had him ranked as the No. 10 interior offensive lineman in the portal and the No. 178 player overall. The Bulldogs beat out Texas A&M for his services along with several others showing interest.
Jackson will battle it out at one of the two guard spots this fall and have a shot to get starting reps for the Bulldogs.
