Jackson Vaughn Led IMG Academy Defensive Surge
The four-star linebacker has helped propel the Bradenton football program to an undefeated record.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
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IMG Academy has maintained a 5-0 start to the current season behind a dominant defensive effort. Linebacker Jackson Vaughn has been a central force for the team, recording 25 tackles and 5 sacks across his first five appearances.
Why it matters
Vaughn transferred to the Bradenton-based program to challenge himself against top-tier competition. His performance has helped secure the team a number two national ranking among high school football programs.
Vaughn has accumulated 18 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback hurries, and 3 pass breakups through the first five games of the season. The team has surrendered fewer than 50 total points during this undefeated stretch.
The players
Jackson Vaughn
He is a four-star linebacker committed to Notre Dame who is currently ranked as the number 16 edge player in the country.
IMG Academy
This is a nationally ranked high school football program based in Bradenton that consistently recruits top-tier talent from across the country.
The First Academy
This institution served as the recent opponent for the IMG Academy football team.
The St. James Academy
This team is scheduled to play as the next opponent for the IMG Academy football program.
The details
Vaughn, a four-star prospect committed to Notre Dame, relies on his speed off the line of scrimmage to disrupt opponents. He notably recorded 9 tackles in a single game against The First Academy.
Timeline
Vaughn recorded his defensive statistics during the 2026 season.
IMG Academy faces The St. James Academy this week.
Season Trajectory
Vaughn high-level production confirms his standing in the Rivals Industry Rankings while anchoring IMG Academy as a premier title contender. His development against daily high-level competition at IMG Academy continues to shape his status as a top-tier defensive prospect.
Vaughn performance metrics highlight his effectiveness as an edge rusher with 18 tackles for loss and 6 quarterback hurries in five games. His sustained output serves as a key indicator for IMG Academy capacity to maintain their number two national ranking throughout the season.
The takeaway
Vaughn development showcases the impact of specialized training environments for elite high school athletes. His early-season dominance highlights the importance of speed and tactical discipline in modern defensive play.
Further reading
For more updates on high school sports, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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