A great moment for New Jersey high school soccer with Gatorade making a stop in West Orange to present Marcus Jackson with its national boys soccer player of the year award. Marcus is our guest for the season finale of JSZ’s Beyond the Score podcast – check it out NOW!
West Orange High School senior Marcus Jackson has been named the 2025-26 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year, becoming one of the most decorated high school soccer players in the country. Jackson was selected from nearly half a million high school boys soccer players nationwide, joining an elite group of former winners that includes MLS stars Alecko Eskandarian, Cristian Roldan and Claudio Reyna. A center-back by trade, Jackson earned the honor with what analysts described as a dominant two-way campaign. Prep Soccer National Analyst JR Eskilson praised Jackson as a rare defender to earn this kind of recognition.
“Defenders are often overlooked for honors or accolades, but Marcus Jackson is a rare exception,” Eskilson said. “An undeniable talent, Jackson is the player opposing coaches were forced to game-plan around. The center-back put together a dominant defensive campaign as a senior along with exceptional offensive output. He is a two-way impact player who displays the traits of an elite, modern center-back.”
Jackson was surprised with the award at school Tuesday morning, surrounded by teammates, family and friends. He also received a congratulatory video call from former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard. Off the field, Jackson has been equally impressive. He has volunteered through Parent Supports and Teen Enrichment programming at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, donated time at the Holy Trinity Food Shelter, provided childcare support for the Kelly Elementary School PTA, and participated in his school’s Move the Spectrum event supporting intellectually challenged students. He has also served as a counselor and coach at DNS Soccer development camps and clinics. In the classroom, Jackson has maintained a 3.55 GPA and has signed a letter of intent to play soccer on scholarship at UCLA this fall.
Marcus scored 18 goals in his senior season while holding down the back line for the state champion Mountaineers. Check out his JSZ highlight reel:
Jersey Sports Zone was at Jackson’s ceremony at West Orange High and Marcus talked with us about his national honor, the Mountaineers state championship season and the value of playing high school soccer. Check out the season finale of JSZ’s Beyond the Score podcast presented by RWJ Barnabas Health:
