Khyree Jackson, a star cornerback for the Oregon Ducks and a well-regarded 2024 NFL draft prospect, has announced that he will sit out against the Liberty Flames in the Fiesta Bowl. Jackson’s announcement doesn’t come as a surprise, since players of his caliber often opt out of bowl appearances in their final college seasons to prepare for the NFL Draft and avoid injury.
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Jackson, a transfer from Alabama, played one season for the Ducks, but immediately he established himself as one of Oregon’s best defenders. In 2023, Jackson allowed only 19 receptions for 200 yards and also grabbed 3 interceptions and 2 sacks.
By heading to the NFL and opting out of the Ducks’ bowl game, Jackson continues to follow in the footsteps of former Ducks CB Christian Gonzalez. Like Jackson, Gonzalez transferred to Oregon and was spectacular, but he only stayed for one year before declaring for the NFL Draft, where he was a first-round pick.
The Ducks may have trouble replacing Jackson for the Liberty Bowl. The Ducks’ CB2, Jahlil Florence, struggled with injuries near the end of the season, and Oregon lost CB Trikweze Bridges to the transfer portal, which leaves Oregon’s depth at CB quite thin.
As of now, Jackson is seen by some analysts as a middle-round draft pick, but he has the offseason to improve his stock. After the season he had at Oregon, I think Jackson has the potential to rise to a 2nd or 3rd round prospect.