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6 Days Until the State Girls Soccer Announcement
Gatorade 2025 - 2026: Player of the Year

Boys Soccer - New Jersey

Gatorade Player of the year

Marcus Jackson

Defender
WEST ORANGE HS
WEST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY
SENIOR
Height: 6-FOOT-4
Press Release

Peak Performance

18

Goals

5

Assists

10

Shutouts

14

Goals Allowed
“Defenders are often overlooked for honors or accolades, but Marcus Jackson is a rare exception. An undeniable talent, Jackson is the player whom opposing coaches were forced to game-plan around and whom opponents marveled at. The center-back put together a dominant defensive campaign as a senior along with exceptional offensive output. He is a two-way impact player who displays the traits of an elite, modern center-back: excellent 1v1 defending, composure in possession and unrivaled success in aerial duels. Jackson put together an epic season and showed why he’s among the best in the high school game.”
JR Eskilson
National Analyst - Prep Soccer

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound senior defender led the Mountaineers to a 22-2 record and the Section 1, Group 4 state championship this past season. Jackson scored 18 goals and passed for 5 assists despite being a defensive anchor as a center back. He anchored a back line that recorded 10 shutouts and surrendered only 14 goals on the year. Ranked as the nation’s No. 58 recruit by Prep Soccer, he was a 2026 TopDrawer Soccer U19 MLS Next Flex Best Performer honoree for club play. The NJ.Com New Jersey High School Player of the Year and a TopDrawer Soccer Fall Best XI First Team selection, he was also named the 2025-26 United Soccer Coaches National High School Player of the Year. 

Academic Achievement

Jackson has maintained a 3.55 GPA in the classroom. He has signed a written letter of athletic aid to play soccer on scholarship at UCLA this fall.

Exemplary Character

Jackson has volunteered locally on behalf of Parent Supports and Teen Enrichment programming at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, contributing to youth development and family-empowerment initiatives. He also donated his time generously to the Holy Trinity Food Shelter, in addition to providing childcare support for the Kelly Elementary School PTA, helping to create opportunities for family engagement within the school community. Jackson has participated in his school’s Move the Spectrum event as well, supporting intellectually challenged and autistic students through an initiative focused on inclusion, joy and connection through sports. He has also served as a counselor and coach at DNS Soccer development youth camps and clinics.