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USC Legend Adoree' Jackson Returns to Campus for Prestigious Honor

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated May 16, 2025 2:35 PM ET

The USC Trojans watched Adoree' Jackson collect awards after awards during his illustrious collegiate career. That includes earning the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

But he returned to the campus Thursday to grab one more prestigious honor: His college degree.

The versatile wide receiver/cornerback for the Trojans was spotted at USC's graduation ceremony. USC reporter and director of creative content Keely Eure filmed Jackson joining fellow Trojans star Ronald Jones in walking the stage.

"How cool is this? USC alums Adoree’ Jackson and Ronald Jones graduated today after returning to finish their degree," Eure said on X.

Jackson, again, received a litany of accolades during his Trojans career. He became a consensus All-American, earned the Jet Award and also claimed the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award.

USC trusted him at multiple spots. He first arrived as a five-star talent out of Junipero Serra High in Gardena. Serra lined him up at running back, wide receiver, cornerback, and as a return specialist.

Trojans fans likely recall his epic 2014 Holiday Bowl outing. Jackson scored on a 98-yard kickoff return, then added a 71-yard touchdown reception in the 45-42 shootout victory over Nebraska.

Jackson played mostly on the defensive side -- collecting 139 total tackles, 114 solo stops, then broke up 29 passes and grabbed six career interceptions (five coming in the '16 season). He then led the nation in punt return yards with 315 and took back two to the end zone. Jackson grabbed 39 catches for 628 yards and six touchdowns on offense.

Jackson studied communications with a minor in real estate when he attended USC. He recently signed a one-year deal worth $5 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. But he proved he had time to finish what he started at USC by obtaining his degree.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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