UCLA commit Marcus Jackson named 2026 Gatorade National Player of the Year

West Orange, New Jersey – In its 41st year celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their excellence in sport, academics and community, Gatorade today announced Marcus Jackson of West Orange High School in West Orange, New Jersey is the 2025-26 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Jackson was selected from nearly half a million other student-athletes who play high school boys soccer nationwide, joining an elite legacy of former Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year athletes who have combined for more than 12 National Championships and 14 MLS first round draft picks.

This morning, Jackson was surprised with the award at school surrounded by his teammates, family and friends, and he also received a surprise video call from former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard congratulating him on the honor. Following the surprise, Jackson got a taste of the pro athlete experience with a styling session, photoshoot, media interviews and more.

(+READ: Gatorade Boys Soccer State Players of the Year honored for 2025-26)

“Marcus Jackson has proven why his name belongs on the Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year trophy, with incredible achievements on and off the field,” said Jennifer Schmit, Sr. Director, Gatorade Brand Marketing. “He joins the likes of Alecko Eskandarian, Cristian Roldan, Claudio Reyna and many other stars, making him forever part of the Gatorade Player of the Year legacy.”

Championing The Next Generation

Receiving the honor of Gatorade Player of the Year is more than a trophy. It’s a celebration of the whole athlete and opportunity to propel their future career through support and opportunities only Gatorade can provide because of its legacy in sport culture, product superiority and expertise in hydration science.

Starting this year, Gatorade will provide the National Player of the Year athletes with access to resources from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI). The athletes will work with a team of GSSI scientists and have the opportunity to undergo testing at a GSSI Lab, equipping them with personalized hydration and fuel plans – built to help unlock their full potential and fuel success for years to come.

The brand will also elevate these athletes by including them in brand moments, events and community initiatives throughout the year – amplifying their journey, celebrating their achievements and providing ongoing opportunities to inspire others.

All-Around Excellence

Gatorade Player of the Year athletes are not only the best of the best in their respective sports, but they also serve as role models for the next generation of greats.

• Community: Jackson has volunteered locally on behalf of Parent Supports and Teen Enrichment programming at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, contributing to youth development and family-empowerment initiatives. He has also donated his time with the Holy Trinity Food Shelter, in addition to providing childcare support for the Kelly Elementary School PTA. Jackson has participated in his school’s Move the Spectrum event as well, supporting intellectually challenged students through an initiative focused on inclusion, joy and connection through sports. Additionally, he has served as a counselor and coach at DNS Soccer development youth camps and clinics.
• Academics: Jackson has maintained a 3.55 GPA in the classroom. He has signed a written letter of athletic aid to play soccer on scholarship at UCLA this fall.

“Defenders are often overlooked for honors or accolades, but Marcus Jackson is a rare exception,” said JR Eskilson, Prep Soccer National Analyst. “An undeniable talent, Jackson is the player opposing coaches were forced to game-plan around and a guy who opponents marveled at. 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: excellent 1v1 defending, composure in possession and unrivaled success in aerial duels. Jackson put together an epic season and showed why he’s among the best in the high school game.”

As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided more than $6.4 million in grants to winners across more than 2,200 organizations.