The Yankees are one of those franchises where any draft pick can grab big headlines. And a perfect example of that is Core Jackson. This year, the Yankees used their fifth-round pick, 164th overall, to bring him in. For Utah, that’s a pretty special moment with Jackson becoming the program’s 79th all-time draft pick and only the third ever selected by the Yankees.

Well, the last time it happened was in 2019, when Oliver Dunn was chosen, and before that, you’d have to go all the way back to 1965 with Steve Rudanovich. That’s why Jackson’s selection carries real significance back in Utah. So let’s take a closer look at his story and see how he made his way onto one of baseball’s biggest stages. And yes, there’s also a controversy associated with Jackson’s selection in the Yankees.

Who is Core Jackson? Where is he from? All you need to know about him, his background

Hailing from Wyoming, Ontario, Jackson left his mark on Utah’s record books. He finished his college career ranked ninth in batting average (.363), 10th in OBP (.455), and tied for 10th in stolen bases (37). And off the field, he also earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Moreover, he was named a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which recognizes the nation’s best shortstops, and he backed that up with elite production. He led the utes in nearly every major offensive category and scored 61 runs. That sits in Utah’s all-time top 10 and is the highest in the program’s Power Conference era.

But despite all the accolades, Jackson’s professional journey hasn’t been without controversy. Notably, before transferring to Utah, while at the University of Nebraska, he was accused of drawing a swastika on a Jewish student’s door in 2021. He later admitted the incident happened when he was a 17-year-old freshman. He said he had been blackout drunk and couldn’t recall actually drawing it. But things are left behind, and he is now on a completely new journey.

Who are his parents? Steve and Jacqueline Jackson

Core Jackson’s path to the Yankees was shaped not only by his own talent and hard work but also by the steady support of his parents, Steve and Jacqueline. Growing up in Wyoming, Ontario, with two siblings, Jalyn and Madeline, Jackson was encouraged to try a variety of sports. Incidentally, he played baseball, basketball, volleyball, and even badminton during his youth, which gave him a well-rounded athletic foundation.

As Jackson grew more serious about baseball, his parents ensured he had access to some of the best development programs in Canada. There, he played with the Great Lake Canadians, an elite organization known for producing high-level talent.

Jackson’s parents were a steady source of encouragement and stability as he navigated the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth. And here he is today, ready to burst into the MLB scene.

A look at his baseball journey so far: diving deeper into his career, stats, and more

Core Jackson’s rise in baseball really took off at Utah, where he spent two standout seasons anchoring the infield. For the unversed, he played as a shortstop and brought consistency to the lineup, starting all 100 games during his time with the Utes. He hit .363 overall, piling up 34 doubles, four triples, 16 HRs, 85 RBIs, and 112 runs scored.

Then in 2024, he slashed .363/.463/.516 and earned his first first-team all-conference honor in the Pac-12. But before Utah, Jackson sharpened his game at South Mountain Community College in 2023. There, he hit .321 with 16 doubles, three triples, four homers, and 33 RBIs, per the NY Times.

Now, Jackson is taking the next step in his career with the Yankees’ High-A affiliate, the Hudson Valley Renegades, and he has already scored five runs while batting .194 over his first 36 at-bats. Now, let’s see how it goes from here for the Yankees’ future star.