Antoine Jackson: From Lake Nona to UCF Knights Football

Antoine Jackson is a UCF Knights defensive back who has shown promise and resilience throughout his football career, from his high school days at Lake Nona to his collegiate journey. This article delves into his biography, high school achievements, and college statistics, painting a picture of a dedicated athlete striving for success.

High School Career at Lake Nona

Antoine Jackson is a four-time letterman playing for head coach Anthony Paradiso at Lake Nona High School. He distinguished himself as a two-time team captain, demonstrating his leadership qualities early on. Jackson's performance earned him the No. 6 spot in the 2021 Orlando Sentinel Super 60 rankings. In 2020, he received Florida 8A second-team All-Conference honors and was named the Team MVP. Prior to that, in 2019, he was recognized as Lake Nona’s Defensive Player of the Year. Jackson also participated in the 2019 Pro Bowl all-star event, where he excelled in the offensive and defensive line gauntlet, securing first place.

Jackson's senior year in 2021 was particularly impressive. He amassed 66 tackles, 15 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and 38 quarterback hurries. He also forced four fumbles, recovered one, and even contributed on offense with four rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. His outstanding performance in 2021 led him to hold the single-season sack record at Lake Nona, as well as the career sack and tackle records.

As a junior, Jackson recorded 40 tackles (24 solo), 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two recoveries, one of which he returned for a 55-yard touchdown. During his sophomore season, he tallied 28 tackles (17 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Even as a freshman, Jackson made an impact with 35 stops (19 solo), six tackles for loss, two sacks, eight hurries, and a fumble recovery.

Recruitment and Rankings

Jackson was highly regarded as a prospect, earning a four-star rating from multiple scouting services, including 247Sports, On3, Rivals, and ESPN. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 296 overall recruit, No. 38 defensive lineman, and No. 36 prospect in Florida. On3 graded him as the No. 303 player overall, No. 38 defensive lineman, and No. 36 player in Florida. Rivals positioned him as the No. 22 defensive tackle and No. 40 player in Florida. ESPN recognized him as the No. 271 overall recruit, No. 21 defensive tackle, and No. 112 player in the region.

College Career

Early Career

Before joining UCF, Jackson played at other universities. In one season, he earned All-Big Ten honorable mention laurels from the media.

Statistics and Highlights

Season 1

West Virginia (9/2): Made first career start and recorded two tackles.Delaware (9/9): Made a career-high four tackles (2 solo) and posted a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.at Illinois (9/16): Recorded a solo stop.at Northwestern (9/30): Secured a career-high three tackles for loss along with a sack and matched his career best in tackles with four. The solo sack came in the fourth quarter.at Ohio State (10/21): Posted two solo stops, including a tackle for loss in the fourth quarter.Indiana (10/28): Made two tackles.at Maryland (11/4): Recovered a fumble in the first quarter, the first of his career.Michigan (11/11): Assisted on a tackle.

Season 2

Voted All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media.at West Virginia (8/31): Tallied four tackles (2 solo) and recorded a solo sack in the third quarter, finishing with 1.5 tackles for loss.Bowling Green (9/7): Assisted on a tackle.Kent State (9/21): Posted a tackle for loss and added a quarterback hurry and pass breakup.Illinois (9/28): Recorded four solo stops, two tackles for loss, and a sack. The solo sack came in the fourth quarter.UCLA (10/5): Assisted on two tackles and a tackle for loss.at USC (10/12): Made three tackles and assisted on a tackle for loss.at Wisconsin (10/26): Collected three tackles (2 solo) and a half-tackle for loss.Ohio State (11/2): Posted a career-high five tackles, including three solo.Washington (11/9): Assisted on two tackles.at Purdue (11/16): Had one tackle.at Minnesota (11/23): Matched his career high with five tackles and notched 2.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 tackles for loss in the second quarter.Maryland (11/30): Tallied four tackles, including a half-sack.SMU (12/22): Posted three tackles (2 solo), including a tackle for loss and added a quarterback hurry.vs. Boise State (12/31): Recorded a solo tackle.

Season 3

at Purdue (9/1): Assisted on a tackle.Maryland (11/12): Recorded three total tackles and tallied his first career sack.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Joy

According to a report from August 12, 2025, UCF corner Antione Jackson is healthy and rediscovering his joy for football. The Knights junior defensive back underwent surgery to address a lingering hip injury that had limited his abilities in the prior season.