Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson is still coming to terms with the speed of his program’s turnaround.
“I still don’t see how I’m a head coach in collegiate football,” Jackson said during an appearance on the “Up & Adams Show” with Kay Adams. “I never predicted that.”
What Jackson has done, however, is hard to ignore.
One year after inheriting a team that went 1-11, Jackson led Delaware State to an 8-4 finish in 2025, including a 4-1 record in conference play and the program’s first winning season in more than a decade.
“To take a team that was 1-11 and pull off what we pulled off last year,” Jackson said, “it was a blessing.”
The defining moment came at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Hornets defeated Norfolk State, led by fellow former NFL star Michael Vick, to clinch the milestone season.
“To see all those fans come out and support me, and my brother Michael Vick, it was a blessing moment,” Jackson said. “It’s something I’ll always remember.”
Jackson proud to lead Delaware State culture change
Beyond the wins, Jackson pointed to a deeper transformation within the program.
“The biggest thing I was proud of was seeing a culture change in the snap of a finger,” he said. “Young men that weren’t used to winning, that didn’t know the feeling of winning.”
Delaware State had won just two games over the previous two seasons before Jackson’s arrival.
“Two wins in two years and 22 losses—that’s a huge flip,” he said. “To see the hard work we put in and go out there and have success, to see frowns turn into smiles and joy—that was the most fulfilling thing for me.”
As quickly as success arrived, new challenges followed. Several Hornets entered the transfer portal after the season, including running back Marquis Gillis, who transferred to Arizona State in the offseason
Jackson, however, has embraced the reality of modern college football.
“That’s the college era we’re in right now,” he said about losing the Hornets leading rusher. “The dynamic has changed to something totally different.”
Rather than resist it, Jackson sees opportunity—for both himself and his players.
“I always tell my players, come dedicate a year with me,” he said. “Hopefully I can get you to a bigger destination. That’s everybody’s dream.”
He added with a laugh, “If I was playing in this era, I’d probably be getting some crazy amounts of money.”
Jackson even joked about Gillis’ move.
“He’s getting some good money in his pockets,” Jackson said. “I’m like, ‘Hey, let me get a loan.’”
Despite the roster movement, Jackson remains focused on continuing the program’s upward trajectory as Delaware State prepares for training camp later this summer.
“The biggest thing is just pouring into these young men,” he said. “Trying to help change their futures and their lives.”
