Poor grades limited Jackson's college opportunities, and he originally enrolled at Arizona Western College.[7] He became homesick and dropped out of Arizona Western, moving back to Maryland before he played a game for the Matadors.[8] While living with his parents, Jackson took up jobs at Six Flags America, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Harris Teeter. An avid NBA 2K player, Jackson contemplated a career in esports.[7]
Fort Scott CC
After receiving an email from coach Kale Pick asking if he wanted to play wide receiver for their college football team,[9] Jackson enrolled at Fort Scott Community College in 2019.[10] Although he had been recruited as a wide receiver, Jackson was more interested in playing cornerback, and he convinced the coaching staff to let him change positions partway through the season.[7][11] In his one season with the Fort Scott Greyhounds, Jackson had 25 tackles and three interceptions, and his junior college success earned attention from NCAA Division I football programs.[12]
In 2021, he was given the opportunity to play Division I football as a backup for the Alabama Crimson Tide.[14][15] Jackson got his first career start in the 2021 National Championship versus Georgia.[16] Jackson finished the season with seven tackles and two pass deflections.[17] On November 21, 2022, Jackson was suspended by head coach Nick Saban for undisclosed reasons.[18][19] Jackson finished the 2022 season with seven tackles with one going for a loss in nine games before being suspended.[20] After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Jackson announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal to finish his career elsewhere.[21][22]
Oregon
Jackson ultimately decided to transfer to the Oregon Ducks,[23][24] with whom he opened the 2023 season as a starting cornerback.[25] During the season, Jackson had three interceptions, seven pass deflections, two quarterback sacks and 34 tackles. For his performance, Jackson was named First Team All Pac-12 for the 2023 season.[26][27]
Jackson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the 108th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.[30] Prior to his death, Jackson was in the running to earn a starting cornerback job at the Vikings' training camp set to begin in late July.[31]
Death
Khyree Jackson, along with two of his former high school teammates, was killed in a car crash in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, when another driver attempted to change lanes at a high speed and struck two vehicles, including the one in which Jackson was a passenger. He was 24.[32][33] Police believe that alcohol was involved.[34]
Memorial service
At his memorial service at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, two people were shot, one fatally.[35] As of July 14, 2024, local police are investigating the shooting.[34]