Pitt FB Recruiting
Connection Between Pitt, 2026 DB Xavier Jackson Taking Off

When 2026 cornerback Xavier Jackson visited Pitt during the fall for the team’s matchup against Virginia, he left with a fresh offer from the Panthers and the intention of making a return in the near future.
That opportunity arose over the weekend when the Oradell, New Jersey native made the trip back to Pittsburgh for a Junior Day visit.
“My Junior Day was great,” Jackson told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “The coaches and recruits were great and treated us great. What stood out was the facilities and the coaches’ energy.”
I had a great time @Pitt_FB Junior Day! I always have a great time when I come down here! They had a great basketball game for us to watch also!@KinslerLatish @ARCHIECOLLINS_ @CoachWilsonO @Coach_Manalac @CoachDuzzPittFB pic.twitter.com/ETsnxllB1G
— Xavier Jackson (@XavierJackson__) January 18, 2025
During the two months in between visits, the Bergen Catholic product feels his connection with the program took off.
“Our relationship has grown a lot. I talked to coach Narduzzi for a bit, and it was a great conversation,” Jackson said.
The conversations continued with cornerbacks coach Archie Collins, who provided Jackson some additional insight on the Pitt defense, defensive back room and the Panthers’ play style.
“I talked to Coach Collins a lot. He keeps all his conversations real, and he even made me put my film on the board and evaluated it with me and the things I did wrong,” Jackson said.
Jackson, who stands at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, has great instincts and brings a physical edge, which has left a strong impression on the Pitt coaching staff.
“They said they liked how aggressive I was and how I knew how to get the ball out. The also like my size and length,” Jackson said.
Jackson was a key part of Bergen Catholic this past fall during his first season with the program as the Crusaders won their fourth straight state title. He registered 32 tackles, six passes defended, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one tackle for loss on the season.
After his second visit with the Pitt program, the Panthers appear to be in strong positioning with Jackson, who hopes to visit again.
When considering a future school, Jackson has a few priorities in mind and Pitt checks a lot of the boxes.
“Some of my top priorities are the education, the facilities, players they produced, how they can help me after football, and how they can build me as a man,” he said.
Along with Pitt, Jackson holds offers from Minnesota, North Carolina, West Virginia, Purdue and Central Michigan.
