Like many of us, Oregon linebacker Devon Jackson has a mother who is a powerhouse. Chequetta "CJ" Jackson is a published author with a doctorate in Strategic Leadership, a mentor and youth track coach and the founder of the Phenomenal Women Academy, inspiring others in the Omaha community while recognizing leadership and service.
Devon played last season with a burden on his heart. Just before fall camp began his mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy in September.
Early detection led to a spectacular outcome. Devon's mom is now cancer-free. Talking about her work and career she told Canvas Magazine,
"I am a proud Omaha native whose journey has been shaped by resilience and determination."
Four days before her operation she was in the stands for the Oregon opener to cheer on Number 26.
Her example inspires him as Devon prepares for his senior year. In the spring he told reporters, "If I don't make it happen this year, then I'm going to be a regular guy, and I feel like I'm too talented to be that. I feel like I've still got a lot of football left in my life to just let it go in a year. The emphasis for me is to treat every day like it's my last. It's do or die. It's my last one. There's nothing left to hold back."
Jackson has always had freakish potential, the No. 6 linebacker in the country and an American Bowl All-American in his senior year at Burke High School, the same school where his mother was also a track star.
In 2021 Devon won the Nebraska Class A State Championship in the 100 and 200 meters, posting top times of 10.54 in the 100 and 21.63 in the 200. As a senior now for the Ducks, he's 6-2, 235 and runs a 4.3 40.
A four-year contributor, Jackson steps up to a critical starting role
He's posted 47 and 41 tackles in the last two seasons while playing in 44 games over his career at Oregon, starting a pair last season. With Bryce Boettcher gone he takes over at one inside linebacker spot alongside Jerry Mixon, and a big key for Chris Hampton's defense lies in Jackson harnessing his awesome potential as one of the fastest players on the team.
In this play from the Spring Game, Jackson, wearing his new number 9, crashes down to make the tackle in the backfield. Playing free and trusting his keys, he could be an impact player on what should be one of the best defenses in the country this season.
Though the Ducks have national championship aspirations, that can't happen unless someone steps up to replace the 257 tackles made by Boettcher, safety Dillon Thieneman and STAR Jadon Canady. It'd be huge if Jackson's physical gifts translate into high-level production.
Devon Jackson TFL pic.twitter.com/Y7BM6ykehY
— FD (@flooduck) April 25, 2026
He doesn't have to look far to find a model of overcoming challenges.
He'll have help and competition from Brayden Platt, Dylan Williams and Gavin Nix, but a lot of the success of that unit depends on Jackson playing to his talent in his final year of college football while relying on his mother's strong example.
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