Tayven Jackson has been designated as the starting quarterback for the North Texas Mean Green ahead of their season opener against Indiana University on September 5, 2026. Jackson, who has a diverse college football background, previously played for the Hoosiers.
He had limited playing time at Tennessee in 2022 and played in 13 games for Indiana during the 2023-24 season, where he recorded a completion percentage of 61.2% with six touchdowns and six interceptions.
In 2025, he transferred to the University of Central Florida (UCF), completing 63.5% of his passes for a total of 2,151 yards, ten touchdowns, and eight interceptions, contributing to the Knights' 5-7 season record.
Before his college career, Jackson excelled at Center Grove High School, throwing for 4,813 yards and 47 touchdowns between 2018 and 2021, which helped his team secure an undefeated Class 6A championship. Tayven Jackson is also the brother of Trayce Jackson-Davis, recognized as the 2019 Indiana Mr. Basketball and now playing his fourth season with the Toronto Raptors.
The matchup between North Texas and Indiana is set to kick off at noon and will be aired on Fox.
