Florida Atlantic Football’s roster is nearing full as we approach the 2025 season, however on Tuesday evening Zach Kittley and Co. added a new Owl to their squad. Former College of the Canyons (JUCO) Defensive End Jackson Forte announced he would be transferring to FAU for his 3rd season of collegiate football.
The 6 ‘2 250 pound West Hills, California native has spent his first 2 seasons of college ball at the College of the Canyons, a Junior College in Santa Clarita, California. After playing in just one game during the 2023-2024 season, Forte had a breakout campaign as an edge rusher this past year, playing in 11 games, recording 31 tackles, including 12 for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 3 sacks.
Forte’s successful campaign in 2025 led to a variety of interest in his services via the transfer portal including Ohio University and numerous FCS programs. Although Forte had numerous offers to mull over, committing to FAU was an easy decision due to the family based approach that the coaching staff displayed on his visit.
“FAU felt like a home away from home, and the Winning in Paradise slogan was spot on”, said Jackson. “The coaching staff felt like one big family and the team welcomed me with open arms.
It has taken just 2 seasons at the JUCO level for Forte to reach the level of production he achieved during his high school days at Chaminade High School in West Hills, California where he recorded 75 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 23 QB hurries across 2 varsity seasons.
Forte is an example of someone making the most of any opportunity they receive, as the Junior College route can be tough for some athletes, however Forte excelled and now finds himself at the D1 level. Now having made it to a new level of college football, Forte isn’t going to become complacent and he believes that the system in place and coaching he will receive will allow him to play to the best of his abilities.
“The system they will be running will allow me to play to the best of my ability and use all of my strengths”, Jackson said. “I can’t wait to get down there and officially become part of the family!”
Now with nearly a complete roster, Forte becomes the 8th addition to the Edge Rusher’s room this offseason for FAU, joining transfers Tyclean and Tycoolhill Luman, Joe Moore, Chenellson Exume, Cam Done and Deshaun Batiste as well as freshman Josh Roberts.