10/30/2026 10:32:00 AM | Football
Note: Below is the main feature story on Makai Jackson for the Flames Illustrated game program vs. FIU.
Transferring from school to school can be a difficult experience for many students, especially for student-athletes.
As a fifth-year wide receiver, I'm currently at my third school in four years and my fourth school during my college career.
Riding the Roller Coaster
I started my journey at Saint Francis, a small school in Pennsylvania that competes at the FCS level.
I had a great year there in 2022, earning Freshman All-America honors and being named the NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, I felt like I could be playing at a higher level, so I decided to enter the transfer portal.
I ended up at Appalachian State during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. I continued to develop and even earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors, but things took a turn when the head coach was let go, and I found myself looking for a new opportunity again.
I continued my education at Indiana in 2025 but hit the transfer portal again because it wasn't the best fit for me.
It's been a rollercoaster ride, but I'm grateful for the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned.
I've always had a passion for football and have been playing since I was a kid. It's been my dream to play at the highest level, and I've been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do so.
It hasn't been easy, but I'm grateful for every step of the journey.
No matter what challenges come my way, I'm determined to keep growing and pushing myself to be the best player and person I can be.
Joining the Boys on the Mountain
I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant about transferring to Liberty at first.
But once I committed, it has been a game-changer.
I called up my former App State teammates - Marcus Clark and Derrell Farrar - and it was like old times.
We were all pumped to be playing together again.
It was just a matter of getting back on the field and doing what we love.
I also got to talk with [Head] Coach [Jamey] Chadwell and Coach [Tony] Washington about how I could fit into the offense, and they really sold me on it.
Our coaching staff does a great job putting guys where they can excel. They have helped me find the end zone several times this year, which has led to wins and keeps our goal alive of competing for a Conference USA championship.
Individually, I have found a spot on the Biletnikoff Award watch list, which is a credit to my teammates who have faith in me to perform at a high level.
It's been a great fit for me so far, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Liberty football team.
I'm just looking forward to continuing the season with my brothers and seeing where it takes us.
Family Ties
One of the things that drew me to Liberty was the fact that it's fairly close to home. At least compared to Bloomington.
I'm from Levittown, Pa., which is about six hours away, so it's not too far for my family to come and watch me play.
Growing up in Levittown was a special experience for me.
It's a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. I've always felt a strong sense of belonging there.
It took me a while to really find my place on the football field. I was always involved in sports, including some time with basketball and baseball, but I didn't start playing wide receiver until my senior year of high school.
That's when things really started to take off for me.
I received my first offer and realized I had the potential to do something with this sport.
It was a turning point in my life, and I've been chasing that dream ever since.
My family has always been my biggest support system, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
My mom, Lashanda, and I talk every day, and she's always there to offer guidance and encouragement.
And then there's my older brother, Maurice, who has been my role model since day one.
We may be six years apart, but we've always been inseparable. I wanted to do everything he was doing, and he played a big role in getting me into football.
We still talk every day, and his support means the world to me.
Beyond the Field
When I'm not on the field or spending time with my family, I have a few other interests that keep me grounded.
One of them is painting. I often find inspiration in nature and try to capture the beauty I see around me.
It's something I've always enjoyed, and it allows me to express my creativity differently. There's something therapeutic about putting brush to canvas and creating something beautiful.
It's a nice escape from the demands of football and school.
In December, I'll be graduating with a degree in sports management. It's a field that I'm passionate about, and I'm excited to see where it takes me.
Whether it's coaching or working behind the scenes, I want to make a difference in the sports industry and help others achieve their dreams.
I have now had the privilege of playing at four different universities, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities.
I've faced setbacks, but I've also experienced triumphs.
I've learned the value of perseverance, hard work, and believing in myself.
And I know that no matter where this journey takes me, I have the support of my family, friends, and coaches.
I am grateful that I will be ending my collegiate journey on the Mountain. I'm grateful for the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned.
I'm ready to embrace whatever comes my way and continue to chase my dreams, both on and off the field.
Transferring from school to school can be a difficult experience for many students, especially for student-athletes.
As a fifth-year wide receiver, I'm currently at my third school in four years and my fourth school during my college career.
Riding the Roller Coaster
I started my journey at Saint Francis, a small school in Pennsylvania that competes at the FCS level.
I had a great year there in 2022, earning Freshman All-America honors and being named the NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, I felt like I could be playing at a higher level, so I decided to enter the transfer portal.
I ended up at Appalachian State during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. I continued to develop and even earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors, but things took a turn when the head coach was let go, and I found myself looking for a new opportunity again.
I continued my education at Indiana in 2025 but hit the transfer portal again because it wasn't the best fit for me.
It's been a rollercoaster ride, but I'm grateful for the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned.
I've always had a passion for football and have been playing since I was a kid. It's been my dream to play at the highest level, and I've been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do so.
It hasn't been easy, but I'm grateful for every step of the journey.
No matter what challenges come my way, I'm determined to keep growing and pushing myself to be the best player and person I can be.
Joining the Boys on the Mountain
I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant about transferring to Liberty at first.
But once I committed, it has been a game-changer.
I called up my former App State teammates - Marcus Clark and Derrell Farrar - and it was like old times.
We were all pumped to be playing together again.
It was just a matter of getting back on the field and doing what we love.
I also got to talk with [Head] Coach [Jamey] Chadwell and Coach [Tony] Washington about how I could fit into the offense, and they really sold me on it.
Our coaching staff does a great job putting guys where they can excel. They have helped me find the end zone several times this year, which has led to wins and keeps our goal alive of competing for a Conference USA championship.
Individually, I have found a spot on the Biletnikoff Award watch list, which is a credit to my teammates who have faith in me to perform at a high level.
It's been a great fit for me so far, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Liberty football team.
I'm just looking forward to continuing the season with my brothers and seeing where it takes us.
Family Ties
One of the things that drew me to Liberty was the fact that it's fairly close to home. At least compared to Bloomington.
I'm from Levittown, Pa., which is about six hours away, so it's not too far for my family to come and watch me play.
Growing up in Levittown was a special experience for me.
It's a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. I've always felt a strong sense of belonging there.
It took me a while to really find my place on the football field. I was always involved in sports, including some time with basketball and baseball, but I didn't start playing wide receiver until my senior year of high school.
That's when things really started to take off for me.
I received my first offer and realized I had the potential to do something with this sport.
It was a turning point in my life, and I've been chasing that dream ever since.
My family has always been my biggest support system, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
My mom, Lashanda, and I talk every day, and she's always there to offer guidance and encouragement.
And then there's my older brother, Maurice, who has been my role model since day one.
We may be six years apart, but we've always been inseparable. I wanted to do everything he was doing, and he played a big role in getting me into football.
We still talk every day, and his support means the world to me.
Beyond the Field
When I'm not on the field or spending time with my family, I have a few other interests that keep me grounded.
One of them is painting. I often find inspiration in nature and try to capture the beauty I see around me.
It's something I've always enjoyed, and it allows me to express my creativity differently. There's something therapeutic about putting brush to canvas and creating something beautiful.
It's a nice escape from the demands of football and school.
In December, I'll be graduating with a degree in sports management. It's a field that I'm passionate about, and I'm excited to see where it takes me.
Whether it's coaching or working behind the scenes, I want to make a difference in the sports industry and help others achieve their dreams.
I have now had the privilege of playing at four different universities, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities.
I've faced setbacks, but I've also experienced triumphs.
I've learned the value of perseverance, hard work, and believing in myself.
And I know that no matter where this journey takes me, I have the support of my family, friends, and coaches.
I am grateful that I will be ending my collegiate journey on the Mountain. I'm grateful for the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned.
I'm ready to embrace whatever comes my way and continue to chase my dreams, both on and off the field.
Players Mentioned
LB
/ Football
WR
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