Former Lambton Central Collegiate & Vocational Institute (LCCVI) student-athlete Core Jackson has been drafted by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft.
Jackson, a standout shortstop for the University of Utah Utes, was selected 164th overall. Widely regarded as Utah’s top baseball prospect, the 21-year-old capped off a stellar senior season leading the Utes in nearly every offensive category and tallying 117 assists and 25 double plays on defense.
Before his NCAA success, Jackson was a multi-sport athlete at LCCVI in Petrolia, earning the prestigious Stefanko Award in 2021 for excellence in athletics, academics, and extracurriculars. He also competed in volleyball, badminton, basketball, and baseball during his high school years.
Jackson began his college career at the University of Nebraska, then played at South Mountain Community College before transferring to Utah. He earned All-Pac-12 and All-Big 12 First Team honours, and was a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, given to the top collegiate shortstop in the U.S.
While completing a sociology degree, Jackson has continued to play locally with the Sarnia Brigade. His selection by the Yankees makes him the highest-drafted local player since 2022, and one of just five Canadians taken in this year’s draft.
The Lambton Kent District School Board says Jackson’s achievements reflect the dedication and talent nurtured throughout its schools.
