Jackson Holman's Quiet Confidence Could Speak Loudly for Wyoming Offense

Jackson Holman (9), Photo courtesy of UW Athletics

LARAMIE, Wyo. - Most University of Wyoming fans probably haven’t had the chance to get to know sophomore wide receiver Jackson Holman just yet. But the 6’3”, 206-pound transfer from Arizona brings a blend of size, pedigree, and passion that could make him a key figure in the Cowboys’ passing attack this fall.

Jackson tells us that football has always been a part of his life...and his family.

“For sure, I’ve kind of always been surrounded by football,” Holman said. “My dad [Scott Holman] played at Oregon in the ’80s and then played in the league [Jets, Cardinals] for a couple of years. Both my brothers played - one of them was at Portland State, and my other brother went to Northwestern. Family full of receivers.”

Holman played high school football at Mission Viejo High School in Southern California. He started as a sophomore and began to see attention from college recruiters early.

“Junior year, I had a pretty good year on a really good team,” he said. “That kind of kickstarted my recruiting. I had offers from Utah, Vanderbilt, Arizona, most of the Ivy League, Tulane, Air Force, Colorado State…”

Ultimately, Holman committed to Arizona and enrolled early in January 2023. Under head coach Jedd Fisch, who has since taken the job at Washington, Holman experienced a high-level program firsthand.

“We went 10-3. Won the Alamo Bowl. Beat Oklahoma,” Holman said proudly. “I had a great spring and then got a little unlucky with some hamstring strains and injuries that kind of plagued me into the season.”

Despite limited offensive reps, Holman contributed on special teams for the Wildcats. After the season, with a desire for more opportunity, he entered the transfer portal.

“Luckily, Wyoming found me,” he said. “And it’s been amazing ever since. Just a great opportunity, a great winning team, and a staff that wants to win. Players that want to win as well.”

Holman credited former associate head coach Mike Grant with being a major factor in his decision to head to Laramie.

“Honestly, just on my visit, I talked to him. I could tell that he was just a great coach,” Holman said. “He has the experience, he’s played, he’s done it. And then just the opportunity to be on a team that didn’t have the year they wanted last year… they’re hungry this year. That really stood out.”

Wyoming’s climate is a lot different than the heat in Southern California and Tucson, but Holman is ready for it.

“The weather is a little colder than I’m used to, I’ll say that,” he laughed. “But the people have been amazing. They love their football team out here. The guys on the team as well- they really welcomed me.”

Coming from a Power Five program, Holman has already noticed a difference in the culture.

“There’s no pods on the team,” he explained. “Everyone’s welcoming one another. Everyone takes stuff together, eats lunch together, talks - it’s really nice to see.”

As for what fans can expect from No. 9 this fall?

“Big, physical, dependable receiver that gets it done on every down,” Holman said. “A red zone target. Just a guy that loves to compete. A guy that plays for his brothers and is going to leave everything out there.”

While he hasn’t set exact personal goals just yet, Holman hinted at what he’d like to achieve.

“Like 30-plus catches. Win a championship,” he said. “I’d love to go to the LA Bowl - I think Cal played Louisville in it last year. I watched it on TV. That’d be really cool.”

Off the field, Holman enjoys a quieter life than his on-field persona might suggest.

“I Love watching golf, love cooking and baking,” he said. “I’ve got a girlfriend of three and a half years and a one-year-old Golden Retriever puppy.”

From SoCal to Tucson and now Laramie, Holman’s journey to play the game he loves has brought him across the country. With his size, experience, and mindset, don’t be surprised if he becomes a fan favorite at War Memorial Stadium.