Khalil Jacobs

Khalil Jacobs grew up in Mississippi but played high school ball at Overhills High School in Spring Lake, N.C. He became a varsity starter as a sophomore and played both ways at wide receiver and linebacker. Before his junior year, he transferred to Niceville High School in Okaloosa County, Fla. As a senior in 2021, he finished with 60 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles, while helping lead the team to 10 wins. A three-star recruit, Jacobs committed to South Alabama (his only FBS offer) and became a part-time starter as a sophomore. After the 2023 season, former head coach Kane Wommack left South Alabama to become defensive coordinator at Alabama, so Jacobs entered the transfer portal. He received an offer from the Tide but decided to return to South Alabama. However, he went back into the portal after spring practices and signed with Missouri. He was primarily a late-down spy as a junior before missing the second half of the season with a torn pec. He again played a part-time role as a senior, as the coaches created ways to get him on the field. With his smaller, cut-up frame, Jacobs looks more like a safety than a linebacker. He has a tough time disengaging once locked up by blockers, but what he lacks in desired size and length, he makes up for with speed to the football. His read-react eyes are still developing, and better anticipation will allow him to make more plays driving downhill and in coverage. Despite not being a full-time starter, he was voted a 2025 team captain, and his passionate leadership was obvious to anyone around the program. Overall, Jacobs has limitations that will cap his role, but his pursuit talent and competitive energy will allow him to compete for a subpackage and special teams role in the NFL.