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#97 Carnell Jackson Jr.

True Freshman | 6-2 | 350 lbs. (+15) | Auburn, Alabama

• Position: Defensive Tackle
• Previous College: None
• Projection: Redshirt/Scout Team
• Remaining Eligibility: 4-5* years (*if 5 to play 5 goes into effect or he redshirts)
• Status: On Scholarship

Carnell Jackson Jr. (b. Dec. 21, 2007) is a freshman defensive tackle from Auburn’s backyard who plans on majoring in business administration. While I expect him to redshirt* and maybe try to drop a few pounds, his sheer size could be an asset to the team situationally, such as on goal-line defense.

Jackson prepped under head coach Keith Etheredge at Auburn (Ala.) High School, where he was viewed as the 77th-best defensive lineman in the Class of 2026 and the 28th-best overall prospect in the state of Alabama by 247Sports.

He tallied 36 tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries as a senior, leading the Tigers (that’s an original mascot…) to a state semifinal appearance, and he was selected to play in the 2025 Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game last December.

Jackson also competed in track and field, where he was a three-time state qualifier in the shot put.

He chose K-State over offers from Alabama A&M, Appalachian State, Arkansas (from which he decommitted), Arkansas State, Auburn, Ball State, East Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Houston, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Memphis, Morehouse College, South Florida, Troy, Tulane, UAB, West Virginia and Western Kentucky.

*Keep in mind that starting this season, redshirted players can play in up to nine total games and retain their year of eligibility. If the 5-for-5 rule survives its court challenges, that number goes from nine to “all of them.”

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