Maryland Football Lands Top 2027 Edge Rusher from Annapolis

Four-star Rion Jackson trims list to seven, with Maryland among the finalists

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:20pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the intense action of a football pass rush, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, black, and gold representing the Maryland Terrapins' defensive scheme.Maryland's pursuit of elite in-state talent like Rion Jackson is a key part of their strategy to build a championship-caliber defense.Annapolis Today

Maryland's defensive front has its sights set on a major boost for the class of 2027 as the Terrapins officially remain in the hunt for one of the region's most explosive defensive talents. Rion Jackson, a standout four-star edge rusher from Annapolis, has narrowed his recruitment down to a top seven that features Mike Locksley's program prominently.

Why it matters

Securing a four-star talent from Annapolis sends a message to other elite 2027 prospects in the region that Maryland is the premier destination to develop for the NFL. His presence would likely act as a magnet for other local defensive recruits, helping the Terps build the depth needed to survive a grueling conference schedule.

The details

At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Jackson possesses the ideal frame and length that college scouts covet in a modern edge rusher. His sophomore campaign in 2024 was nothing short of dominant, as he proved to be a constant disruption in the backfield with 16 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. Maryland makes the top seven for Jackson, battling a powerhouse lineup that includes Notre Dame, Auburn, Michigan, Florida, Kentucky, and border-rival Virginia Tech.

  • Jackson narrowed his list to seven schools on April 7, 2026.
  • The Terps offered Jackson a scholarship on February 19, 2025.

The players

Rion Jackson

A 6-foot-4, 218-pound four-star edge rusher from Annapolis, Maryland, who is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2027 class.

Mike Locksley

The head coach of the Maryland Terrapins football team, who is prioritizing keeping elite local talent like Jackson in-state.

Brian Williams

The defensive coordinator for the Maryland Terrapins, who has prioritized length and speed on his defensive unit.

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What’s next

Jackson is expected to take official visits to his top seven schools in the coming months before making a final decision on his college commitment.

The takeaway

Keeping elite local talent like Rion Jackson in-state is a top priority for the Maryland Terrapins, as they look to build a dominant, homegrown defense that can compete with the nation's best programs.