2023 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 2 Days (Tayven Jackson)

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff is in its final stages! For the 100 days leading up to kickoff, we at Hoosier Huddle will feature every player from the 2023 roster in anticipation of Indiana’s first game of the season against Ohio State in Bloomington. Today, we will highlight defensive back James Monds Jr and quarterback Tayven Jackson.

Tayven Jackson (Redshirt Freshman)

Twitter: @Tayvenjacksonn2

Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana

Height: 6’3”

Weight:  215 Pounds

Position: Quarterback

In just a couple days, we will know for sure whether the Tennessee transfer and brother of Indiana basketball star will be the Hoosiers’ QB1 to start this season. Tom Allen and his staff have officially named a starter internally, but that information has not yet been released to the public. The battle ultimately came down to one of two redshirt freshman, Tayven Jackson or Brendan Sorsby.

Jackson started his career with Tennessee before joining a strong Indiana transfer portal class and vying for the starting role with the Hoosiers. In his one season with the Volunteers, he appeared in a limited role in three games and ultimately completed 3 of his 4 passes for 37 yards and rushed 4 times for 10 yards and 1 TD. In spring practice so far, he has shown a strong arm and the athleticism to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs, but he has also shown times where it’s clear he still has a lot of room left to grow. Reports of his leadership in camp have been strong, as he has gained the respect of his teammates and was named to IU’s leadership council.

Jackson’s One Word for 2023 is Loyalty.