Oklahoma State University Athletics
Sam Jackson V Makes an Impact Across the Field for the Cowboys
October 02, 2025 | Cowboy Football
Stillwater – When Oklahoma State took the field against Baylor, fans got a full glimpse of just how versatile transfer Sam Jackson V can be. Lined up at receiver, taking handoffs and even slinging a touchdown pass, Jackson showcased the multidimensional skill set that's made him one of the Cowboys' most unique weapons.
A former four-star dual-threat quarterback out of Naperville, Illinois, Jackson has taken snaps at both quarterback and wide receiver across stops at TCU, Cal and Auburn before arriving in Stillwater. His résumé includes wins as a starting Pac-12 quarterback, a touchdown catch in the SEC, and flashes of explosiveness every time he's had the ball in his hands.
Against Baylor, Jackson turned in his busiest outing of the young season, highlighted by a 26-yard touchdown pass to tight end Josh Ford, along with two receptions and two carries.
"I hadn't really been involved, early on, so I knew this game was going to be a bit more for me; just knowing that they wanted to put the ball in my hands more," Jackson said. "I decided to stay focused and make sure I made the right reads and not try to be Superman and do too much. I think they put me in a great position to make plays, and when you do that with a playmaker, that's how it comes out."
His touchdown pass, something he hadn't done since 2023 at Cal, was a moment that energized the Cowboys sideline.
"It felt like (my) quarterback days," Jackson said. "We practiced that play like 10 times this week, so I was pretty comfortable with it, and I saw [Josh Ford] wide open, and I was like, 'Wow, he's going to score that for sure.' It felt good."
Interim head coach Doug Meacham, who originally recruited Jackson to TCU, said his presence forces defenses to prepare for more.
"He's not a wildcat," Meacham said. "He's a quarterback playing receiver. It's a great pet to have, so to speak. When he's on the field, I'd say that you'd be a little bit more apprehensive about certain things defensively, which then can clear the picture at times. As y'all can see, that kid can throw the football… His arm talent is off the charts."
Teammates have echoed that excitement. Quarterback Zane Flores praised Jackson's all-around ability — "He can throw the ball, he can catch the ball, he's fast, he's quick" — while Ford, the recipient of Jackson's touchdown, called him "a versatile player… he can do everything."
Now in his fourth college stop, Jackson has brought experience, adaptability, and a spark to the Cowboys' offense. Whether it's under center, split out wide, or in the backfield, he's proving to be exactly the type of playmaker Oklahoma State can build around this fall.
