DeSean Jackson steers Delaware State with an underdog mindset as he takes the headset for the Hornets
Former NFL star DeSean Jackson is embracing a culture-first rebuild at Delaware State, where he takes over as a first-time head coach for an HBCU program hungry for success. The Hornets finished last season 1-11 and were picked to finish at the bottom of the MEAC, with the long-standing in-state rival University of Delaware holding a 11-0 edge in the series. That daunting history fuels Jackson rather than discouraging him.
“I love being an underdog,” Jackson said during the MEAC weekly coaches call. “In my career I’ve always been an underdog. So, you know, we take it on our chin, we put our head down, the chin up mentality. And you know, every day we’re working.”
The new coach is focusing on culture-building above all else. Delaware State’s roster blends returners and transfers, and Jackson stresses discipline, conditioning, and accountability as the pillars of a turnaround. “We have to come out and be a disciplined football team. Fundamentally sound football. We have to be the most conditioned,” he said. “We’ve asked our guys to understand that the standard is the standard, and the standard is high around here.”
Rivalry with Delaware adds extra fuel to the early work. Jackson acknowledges UD’s recent success and talent but remains unwavering in his team’s commitment to competing. “University of Delaware has been the bullies,” he admitted. “They’ve been the big brothers and have been the big bullies all these years. So, you know, I think the team has took it on their chin and understood that. But at the end of the day when it’s time to line up, verse ten, you know, as first team and we’re going to do everything we can to go out there and win that game.”
Jackson believes the path to closing the gap lies in execution rather than raw talent. He noted that while Delaware State may face a more talented opponent, disciplined play and composure can decide games. “They are the most talented team. They are the better team, right? We understand that. But not always the most talented teams win,” he said. “We have to go be disciplined. We can’t shoot ourselves in the foot. We have to make our plays when it’s time to make the plays.”
Beyond football, Jackson views his job as a mentor who can impact these young men’s lives off the field. He spoke about guiding players in community involvement, academics, fatherhood, and brotherhood, underscoring a broader mission to shape men as well as athletes. “This opportunity I’ve been presented … I’m very grateful and appreciative,” he said. “Just give these young men information in game just to help them, even if it’s not in between the white lines—just in the community and being a student, being a father, being a brother.”
The underdog narrative isn’t new to Jackson. He expects to be frequently overlooked, but he’s not deterred. “We don’t get too caught up in being underdogs or being placed last,” he said. “All that stuff doesn’t matter because we still got to go out and play. Give us 60 minutes between the white lines and let us go play.”
What this could mean for Delaware State
– A culture shift centered on discipline, conditioning, and accountability as the foundation for on-field improvement.
– A growing emphasis on leadership development and life-skills mentoring for players, aligning athletics with academics and personal growth.
– A compelling storyline that could energize recruiting at an HBCU program looking to punch above its weight in the MEAC and beyond.
– The challenge of closing a large talent gap with a powerhouse UD program, but with a strategic approach, there’s potential for incremental gains and momentum building over time.
Summary
DeSean Jackson’s arrival at Delaware State marks a bold, culture-driven era for the Hornets. By prioritizing discipline, conditioning, and accountability—and leaning into an underdog mindset—DSU aims to convert historical obstacles into weekly improvement and a path toward competing more effectively within the MEAC and against its in-state rival. If Jackson’s blueprint translates from the field to the locker room and classroom, the Hornets could begin a meaningful, lasting rebuild that resonates with players, students, and fans alike.