A Texas Tale of Perseverance
Cody Jackson, a redshirt senior from Richmond, Texas, has carved a path through several football programs before landing at Iowa State University. His persistence paid off when he earned a place on the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list, an honor that celebrates the top Division I offensive players with roots in Texas.
Jackson’s college career has been marked by stints at Tarleton State University and Houston, where he honed his skills before joining the Cyclones in January. At Tarleton State he posted 82 receptions for 1,289 yards and 14 touchdowns over two seasons, numbers that helped him secure a Second Team All‑United Athletic Conference nod in 2025. That season also saw him average 15.1 yards per catch and record six catches of 30 yards or more.
The watch list recognition underscores not only his statistical achievements but also his eligibility under the award’s criteria, which favors players who either graduated from a Texas high school or compete for a Texas‑based institution. This blend of geographic ties and on‑field production places Jackson among a select group of candidates each year.
Looking ahead, the Cyclones are set to open the 2026 season at home against SEMO on September 5 at Jack Trice Stadium. The matchup will serve as Jackson’s first chance to showcase the form that earned him the watch list honor, and it may prove pivotal in shaping his final collegiate campaign.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award has a storied history of spotlighting talent that later makes an impact in professional football. For Jackson, inclusion on the list is more than a personal milestone; it is a narrative of resilience that reflects the broader story of Texas college football, where players often navigate multiple programs before finding their optimal fit.