Jackson grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and initially played football before switching to basketball.[1] He attended Garfield Heights High School alongside later Toledo teammate Willie Jackson.[2] As a senior, Jackson averaged 23.2 points, seven assists and seven rebounds per game. He led Garfield Heights to a 22–5 record and the Division I regional championship, and he was named to the Cleveland.com First Team.[3] Jackson committed to playing college basketball for Toledo in February 2016 over offers from Kent State, Cleveland State, Buffalo and Eastern Kentucky.[1]
College career
Jackson began his college career with the Toledo Rockets. He averaged eight points per game as a freshman.[4] He was named to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) All-Freshman Team.[5] In April 2018, Jackson collapsed on the hardwood after running a drill and was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a heart condition and permitted to continue playing basketball.[6] As a sophomore, he averaged 11.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game and was named honorable mention all-conference.[7] After the season, he had shoulder surgery.[4] On February 25, 2020, he had a career-high 37 points in a 93–81 win against Central Michigan.[8] Jackson averaged 19.8 points and 5.4 assists per game as a junior, both of which were second-highest in the MAC. He was named to the Second Team All-MAC. Following the season he declared for the 2020 NBA draft.[9] On April 27, 2020, Jackson announced he was returning to Toledo, citing "unfinished business."[10] As a senior, he averaged 18.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game, earning MAC Player of the Year and First Team All-MAC honors. After the season, he transferred to Arizona State.[11] On February 7, 2022, Jackson scored 16 points and surpassed the 2,000 point mark in a 91–79 loss to Arizona.[12]
Professional career
On July 29, 2022, Jackson signed with Fenerbahçe Koleji of the Turkish Basketball Second League.[13]
Jackson is the son of Lawanda and Herman Jackson. His older brother Marquis Jackson played basketball at Ohio Christian University. His second cousin Demario McCall is a cornerback at Ohio State.[1]