Auburn has signed former Cal quarterback Sam Jackson V as a wide receiver.
Sam Jackson V (5) of California tosses a pass against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Berkeley, Calif. (AP Photographer/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Auburn announced the signing of former Cal quarterback Sam Jackson V as a wide receiver out of the transfer portal late Wednesday night.
In the second game of the 2023 season, Jackson played Auburn and threw for 129 yards and two interceptions against Auburn’s defense in Berkeley. On September 9, Auburn defeated Georgia 14-10.
Jackson and current Auburn starting quarterback Payton Thorne were Naperville Central High School teammates in Naperville, Illinois.
Thorne hinted at the possibility of another transfer receiver during a press conference before flying to Nashville for the Music City Bowl on Saturday.
It turns out to be a receiver he knows fairly well.
On December 11, he first accessed the transfer portal. According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, Jackson was not identified as a graduate student.
However, two-time transfers will be permitted to play next fall without a waiver, according to an NCAA letter acquired by Yahoo! Sports reporter Ross Dellenger. Jackson would have had to be a graduate transfer to be able to play in 2024 previously.
That is no longer true.
Jackson started his collegiate career at TCU before transferring to Cal. He now arrives to Auburn with only three college seasons under his belt and has never played more than five games in a season.
Jackson has no reception at either TCU or Cal. Auburn does not appear to be interested in pursuing a quarterback through the transfer portal, as the Tigers are content with the arrival of four-star incoming freshman Walker White to replace Robby Ashford.
Jackson appears to be on his way out of the quarterback position. Jackson was chosen the starting quarterback for the 2023 season.
