Big games drawing UCF and OU attention for 2025 Tampa Tech QB Xzavier Jackson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The formula for success on the gridiron is when opportunity, ability, and preparation come together. At Tampa Bay Tech (Fla.), an unexpected opportunity arose for 2025 quarterback Xzavier Jackson (6-1, 200) five games into the season. Against Gaither, Jackson was handed the pigskin and hasn’t looked back piling up wins and stats along the way. The talent in the pocket is bringing Power Five attention.
Jackson updated Tech’s season, “It is going well; very well. I like it. We have a big game this week (Armwood), we have to move past our loss last week to Jesuit (35-28).”
Asked what’s been the big adjustment for you this season taking over the offense for the Titans? Jackson replied, “Making sure my guys trust me; I know they do. I am keeping up the relationship with them. Being the starting quarterback was unexpected. During the Gaither game (Sept. 22), our quarterback went down; I went in on our first drive. I like it.”
Executing an Air Raid offense, Jackson has compiled 1,147 yards passing with 17 touchdowns and one rushing score. As the starting quarterback for four Titans’ games this season, Jackson spoke about how he prepares each week.
“Week to week, we have hard practices and when I get home, I watch 30 to 40 minutes of film,” Jackson said. “I watch film throughout the day, and I am keeping up with the playbook.”
Jackson continued covering what he is focusing on each day in practice, “Every day I am working on my reads. I have a bit of an overstride, I am working on that. I am working on cutting it down making my base smaller.”
The varsity reps have allowed Jackson to improve his overall game.
“I am throwing the ball better; I’ve been throwing better all year,” Jackson stated. “My reads have been cleaner, and I am getting the ball out faster. That is the biggest separation from this year and years past.”
Getting the starts has led to marquee wins and big stat games.
“My best game performances, I’d say the Gaither game and the Jesuit game,” Jackson shared. “Against Gaither, I had over 100 yards and three touchdowns. Against Jesuit, I had 300 yards and three touchdowns; that was one of my best games.”
The production on the field has caught the attention of two high-profile college football squads.
“I have talked to UCF and Oklahoma’s head coach, coach (Brent) Venables, has followed me on Twitter,” Jackson said. “Coach Venables following me was unexpected. He followed me after we played Wharton.”
Out of Orlando, Knights’ offensive assistant and recruiter Nate Craig-Myers has been reaching out to Jackson.
“I’ve been sending Nate Craig-Myers my film making sure he is updated,” Jackson stated. “I have been trying to go to a game there for some time, now he is making it happen for me.”
The Knights return to FBC Mortgage Stadium on Saturday to take on West Virginia. Awaiting confirmation on the invite, Jackson is hyped about the opportunity to visit UCF.
“I’m very excited,” Jackson shared. “Ever since I stepped foot there for a camp, I have wanted to go there for a game.”