Martel Jackson, a cornerback from Derby, Kansas, swiftly committed to Kansas State after receiving his first offer from the Wildcats earlier this summer. Following an offer from Kansas State on May 30th, which came after his participation in K-State’s initial summer camp, Jackson wasted no time in making his commitment official on Sunday afternoon. Impressively showcasing his speed and length during the camp, Jackson’s performance caught the attention of the Wildcats’ coaching staff, prompting them to arrange an official visit for June 7th, after which Jackson was convinced to commit.
Despite being relatively unknown in the recruiting scene and maintaining a minimal social media presence, Jackson’s recruitment gained momentum over the past two weeks, particularly as Kansas State focused its attention on recruiting him within the state. With no other reported interests or offers, Kansas State recognized the importance of securing Jackson’s commitment early on, anticipating potential competition from other schools later in the summer and fall.
Jackson’s commitment marks a significant addition to Kansas State’s recruiting class, which had only three commitments prior to his decision. Additionally, he becomes the first player from Kansas to commit to Chris Klieman’s squad. Jackson’s athleticism is evident from his track achievements, boasting impressive vertical and sprint times, which he showcased for the Panthers this spring.
Standing at 6’2 and 175 pounds, Jackson excels in coverage on the outside, demonstrating strong man-to-man skills. While his physical attributes suggest he could potentially transition to safety, Kansas State is likely to deploy him as a cornerback initially, following the mold of former Wildcat corners like Julius Brents and Will Lee.
Jackson’s raw talent has been honed under the guidance of coaches at one of the state’s premier football programs, led by former Wildcat Brandon Clark. With his physical tools and potential for growth, Jackson is poised for a standout senior season. While currently unranked by 247, he stands as the fourth-highest-ranked commit in the 2025 class for Kansas State and joins Weston Polk as the only other defensive player committed to Joe Klanderman’s squad. Stay tuned to GoPowercat for further updates on Martel Jackson and the rest of the 2025 recruiting class.
