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Notre Dame QB Sam Jackson Jr. Favored to Join ACC School, Likely Clemson

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 27th 2025 at 21:20 GMT by Sporting News

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Notre Dame Transfer QB Sam Jackson Jr. Poised to Land at ACC School, Filling a Similar Void

The college football transfer portal has been a whirlwind of activity this offseason, and one particularly intriguing storyline involves former Notre Dame quarterback Sam Jackson Jr. According to a report by Sporting News, Jackson is heavily favored to land at an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) school, specifically with Clemson as the frontrunner, to replace another quarterback who recently transferred – Cade Klubnik. This move would represent a significant shift for both Jackson and his potential new team, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of modern college football recruiting.

Jackson's journey has been anything but straightforward. Originally committed to Tennessee in high school, he flipped to Florida State before ultimately signing with Notre Dame as part of the 2023 recruiting class. Considered a four-star recruit by most major scouting services (including ESPN and Rivals), Jackson’s athleticism and potential were immediately apparent. However, his time in South Bend was limited. He saw action primarily as a receiver during the 2023 season, playing in ten games while backing up quarterbacks Riley Leonard and Steven Angeli. While he showcased his versatility by throwing for 174 yards and rushing for 89 more, it became clear that Notre Dame’s plans didn't involve him as their primary quarterback moving forward. The emergence of true freshman CJ Carr further solidified Jackson’s position on the depth chart.

This led to Jackson entering the transfer portal in December, signaling his desire for a chance to play quarterback at a program where he could be a more central figure. The report from Sporting News indicates that several schools expressed interest, but Clemson has emerged as the clear favorite. This isn't just about opportunity; it’s also about filling a crucial need.

Cade Klubnik, previously the heir apparent to former Clemson star DJ Uiagalelei, unexpectedly entered the transfer portal himself and committed to Colorado State earlier this month (January 2024). Klubnik's departure left a significant void in Clemson's quarterback room, creating an immediate need for a talented replacement. While Clemson has rising sophomore Christopher Vizzina on the roster, head coach Dabo Swinney clearly recognizes the value of bringing in experienced talent to compete and provide stability at a pivotal position.

The fit between Jackson and Clemson appears to be exceptionally strong. Jackson’s athleticism aligns perfectly with Clemson's offensive philosophy, which often utilizes mobile quarterbacks to stretch defenses and create explosive plays. He possesses the ability to make throws on the move and extend plays beyond the pocket – qualities that would complement the existing strengths of the Clemson offense under coordinator Garrett Riley. Furthermore, Jackson’s experience in a Power Five conference like Notre Dame gives him a level of familiarity with high-pressure situations that a less experienced recruit might lack.

The article also acknowledges potential competition for Jackson's services from other ACC schools such as Miami and North Carolina. Both programs are looking to bolster their quarterback rooms after experiencing inconsistencies at the position in recent years. However, Clemson’s established program, offensive system, and immediate need give them a distinct advantage. Miami, while boasting strong recruiting ties, has faced challenges with quarterback stability. North Carolina, while showing promise under Mack Brown, might view Jackson as an older player potentially hindering the development of younger quarterbacks on their roster.

The impact of this potential move extends beyond just the individual players and programs involved. It reflects a broader trend in college football: the increasing fluidity of rosters due to the transfer portal. Players now have greater agency over their careers, and teams can quickly address weaknesses or add talent through strategic acquisitions from other schools. This has created a more competitive landscape where traditional recruiting advantages are less significant than they once were. The ability to identify and secure impactful transfers is becoming an increasingly crucial skill for coaches at all levels.

While the move isn’t officially finalized, sources close to Jackson have indicated that Clemson is the overwhelming favorite. If he does indeed choose to join the Tigers, it will be a fascinating development to watch as he competes for playing time and attempts to lead them back to ACC dominance. It also serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college football – one minute you're a highly touted recruit at a prestigious program, the next you’re searching for a new opportunity to showcase your talents elsewhere. The portal era continues to reshape the game, and Sam Jackson Jr.'s potential arrival at Clemson is just another chapter in this ongoing story.

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