Indiana Adds Transfer Wide Receiver Makai Jackson

Makai Jackson will join the Hoosiers in 2025 after totaling 2,154 receiving yards at Appalachian State and Saint Francis.

Appalachian State Mountaineers wide receiver Makai Jackson (15) against East Carolina at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. / James Guillory-Imagn Images

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana continues to reload its roster after a historic 2024 season.

The latest transfer portal commitment came from Appalachian State wide receiver Makai Jackson, who's the 10th incoming transfer in Indiana's class.

The Hoosiers also received good news this week that All-American defensive lineman Mikail Kamara and All-American linebacker Aiden Fisher will return for the 2025 season. That's in addition to landing Indiana's quarterback of the future, Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza.

Jackson fits Indiana coach Curt Cignetti's transfer portal philosophy of adding production over potential. The 6-foot, 200-pound wide receiver has 158 career receptions for 2,154 yards and 15 touchdowns in his three-year college career.

During the 2024 season at Appalachian State, Jackson hauled in 46 receptions for 745 yards and five touchdowns, and he ran the ball five times for 90 yards and a touchdown. Jackson also returned two punts and eight kickoffs this year, so he could fill a variety of roles for the Hoosiers.

Indiana returns its top two wide receivers from the 2024 season, Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. But the graduation of Myles Price, Miles Cross, Ke'Shawn Williams and Andison Coby, plus Donaven McCulley transferring out, creates plenty of available snaps at wide receiver. As it stands, the receiving corps includes Jackson, Elijah Sarratt, E.J. Williams Jr., Omar Cooper Jr., Charlie Becker, Davion Chandler, LeBron Bond and Myles Kendrick.

Price also handled punt and kick return duties, and Jackson's experience in that area makes him a potential candidate in the return game. Solomon Vanhorse was Indiana's other kick returner in 2024, and he's set to graduate.

Prior to two seasons at Appalachian State, Jackson began his career at Saint Francis in Pennsylvania. During the 2022 season, he was teammates with Sarratt, and the two played big roles in Saint Francis' pass game. Jackson led the team with 85 receptions and 991 yards, while Sarratt hauled in a team-high 13 touchdowns to go with 42 catches and 700 receiving yards.

For a full list of Indiana's incoming and outgoing transfers, CLICK HERE.

Related stories on Indiana football

• MENDOZA TO IU: Following a sophomore season with 3,004 passing yards at California, quarterback Fernando Mendoza is transferring to Indiana and teaming up with his brother, Alberto. CLICK HERE

• KAMARA RETURNS: Defensive end Mikail Kamara made the announcement that he'll return to the Hoosiers on Christmas Day. CLICK HERE

• REVISITING PRESEASON PREDICTIONS: How did Hoosiers On SI writers do as far as their preseason thoughts were concerned for Indiana football? CLICK HERE

• 2024 IU FOOTBALL SEASON IN REVIEW: Here’s a list of program records, All-American awards, All-Big Ten honors, coaching awards, and statistical leaders following the best season in Indiana football history. CLICK HERE

• HEMBY TO IU: Maryland running back Roman Hemby is transferring to Indiana. CLICK HERE

• FISHER RETURNING: Aiden Fisher will stick with the coach who brought him to Indiana – Curt CignettI. CLICK HERE

• INDIANA DESERVED CFP BID: Some contend Indiana’s poor performance indicates it shouldn’t have been in the College Football Playoff. But the Hoosiers earned their spot, because games should matter more than hypotheticals. CLICK HERE