Get to know 2025 signee Lance Jackson

Whether you’re a diehard recruiting fan in need of a refresher or a casual fan in need of only the particulars, this will be the series for you. 

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The first national signing day for college football begins December 4 and runs through December 6. This series gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with the next class charged with keeping Texas in a position of national prominence. 

To win at a consistently high level means stacking talented class after talented class. The top-five 2025 class does just that following top-six finishes in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 classes.

On the first national signing day, Inside Texas will offer profiles of each member of the 2025 signing class. Up next, Lance Jackson.

The Player: Lance Jackson, EDGE, Texarkana (Texas) Pleasant Grove

The Rating: 96.77 (five-star)

The Ranking: Jackson is ranked as the No. 25 overall prospect, the No. 2 EDGE, and the No. 8 player in Texas in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. On3 ranks Jackson as the No. 8 overall prospect, the No. 2 EDGE, and the No. 3 player in Texas.

The Highlights

The Recruitment: Jackson, the little brother of Arkansas EDGE Landon Jackson, had been recruited by the Longhorns since his older brother was being pursued by Tom Herman and company. On the heels of a great junior day visit in January, Lance Jackson wanted to end his recruiting process and commit to playing for the Longhorns. Aside from a few visits solely to watch his brother play, this was a drama free recruitment for a five-star prospect.

The Projection: “First off the bus” prospect who pairs outstanding size, athleticism and effort level to be one of the top EDGE prospects in the 2025 cycle. Measured in at 6-foot-5.25, 270 pounds at the On3 Elite Series prior to his senior season. Has plus length with 34-inch arms to go with 10-inch hands. Excellent weight distribution throughout his frame and looks to be a lean 270. Lines up as a defensive end and tight end for his high school. Dominant off the edge as a senior, tallying over 20 tackles for loss and double-digit sacks. Shows high level initial quickness. Continued to add flexibility as a senior. Dips his shoulder and bends the edge very well for such a big defensive end. Runs the hoop and finishes behind the line of scrimmage at a high rate. Length shows up in implementing a straight arm move. Has the capability to walk offensive tackles back to the quarterback with speed-to-power. An effective edge setter with his size and strength. Plays with a high effort level on defense. Shows his athleticism as a tight end, with the ability to stretch the seam. Physical as a blocker. Bigger than most EDGE prospects, opening up the possibility that he could outgrow the position. Will benefit from full-time focus on defense once he gets to college. Physical traits and play personality translate to all levels and point to a high upside as a potential early NFL Draft pick.

The Reasoning

“I just love the ‘Horns,” Jackson told Inside Texas. “I grew up with my family loving them and then I also just love Austin and the atmosphere.”

“I think (Pete Kwiatkowski) is a really smart coach and he knows what he’s doing,” Jackson said. “I think (Steve Sarkisian) is building Texas to be a dynasty and just love what he’s doing.”

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The Final Word: His strength is using quick feet and amazing length to control the terms of engagement with opponents and dominate blocks. It’s easy to imagine him developing into a well rounded Jack who develops pass rush moves, sets the edge, and could also learn to drop into coverage effectively. He’s an easy mover who can do a lot of things well and will eventually be doing them at a size that strikes fear into the hearts of opposing offensive tackles.