Former Indiana quarterback is heading South to play for former Nebraska coach

Former four-star high school recruit and Indiana Hoosier Tayven Jackson has officially picked his next school, and it is not one many people would have guessed. Jackson is packing his bags and heading down south to the land of Mickey Mouse and theme parts, as he just committed to play for Scott Frost and the UCF Knights next season.

Jackson made his official commitment to the Knights last week, but as it has been seen, Jackson is not officially a Knight until he signs the papers. The young former Indiana quarterback is joining a familiar face from the Big Ten as former Nebraska head coach Scott Frost has made his way back to UCF and is stitching his new team together.

Jackson entered the transfer portal back in late December and it didn't take long for him to choose his new team.

The Indiana native committed to Tennessee out of high school as a four-star recruit and redshirted his first season with the Volunteers. Jackson transferred back to his home state to play for the Hoosiers and seemed primed to take over as the starter until Brendan Sorsby came in in 2023. The young quarterback saw action in six games with five starts, throwing for 914 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions that season.

When Curt Cignetti took over for the Hoosiers in 2024, Jackson became the backup to Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke. However, when Rourke was out for a game with a thumb injury, Jackson stepped up big against Washington, a game where Bloomington hosted ESPN College Gameday and Indiana was still trying to keep their undefeated record.

Jackson first appeared to play the second half of the Nebraska game, throwing for 91 yards adn two touchdowns. Then, against Washington, Jackson threw for 124 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, leading the Hoosiers to a 31-17 win over the Huskies, a win that was big for the Hoosier's bid for the College Football Playoff. ESPN's Pat McAfee has some high praise for Jackson before the game that should excite Knights fans.

With two years of eligibility left, Jackson will have a battle on his hands in the quarterback room that currently has UCF's Dylan Rizk and Jaccuri Brown and FAU transfer Cam Fancher. The good news for Jackson is that a new head coach means there are no ties to anyone already, so Jackson will have to battle it out if he wants the starter job.