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Come Fan with UsThursday, July 2, 2026

Western Kentucky LB Andrew Jackson stands out in college football opening night

The first night of college football action was light on entertainment for staunch NFL Draft followers, but one player looks like an up and comer.

It's hard to judge anyone on Wisconsin after they plastered UNLV 51-17, in a game that didn't even seem that close. Temple running back Bernard Pierce looked liked he did as a freshman while running for 147 yards and 3 touchdowns against Villanova.

But in an otherwise painful 14-3 win by Kentucky over Western Kentucky, Hilltoppers linebacker Andrew Jackson stood out. Jackson, only a sophomore, looked like solid prospect in the future, finishing with 12 tackles that included 2 tackles for a sack. Jackson’s playing style and demeanor earned him a comparison to Ray Lewis by the game’s announcers. It’s premature to go that far, but he looks good.

From the fine chaps over at Sports Grid:

Other notables from Thursday night:Louisville running back Victor Anderson looked solid with nine carries for 61 yards and a touchdown against Murray State. Anderson is known for his speed and sure hands. He projects as a good third running back who can help on special teams.

Kentucky linebacker Winston Guy put in a nice performance, but it won’t help his draft stock by being moved to linebacker this season. A cornerback turned safety turned linebacker, Guy showed last night he can make an impact in all areas of the game. To make the NFL, though, he’ll have to show he can consistently line up at safety.

I have to go back and watch a replay of Syracuse/Wake Forest.

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