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Yet another blue-chip prospect is making the move to Bradenton, Fla.
After two years at New Jersey powerhouse Bergen Catholic, four-star EDGE Jackson Vaughn is transferring to IMG Academy for what’s now his senior season this fall. Vaughn reclassified up to the 2027 cycle this offseason.
The Notre Dame commit joins what’s easily the most notable high school football roster in the country. The Ascenders’ roster for this coming season will feature more than 30 ranked prospects, over half of whom are of the blue-chip variety.
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In 11 games for state champs Bergen Catholic last season, Vaughn racked up 40 total tackles, including 12 for loss and eight sacks. He was named a Sophomore All-American by Rivals.
He’ll make the IMG pass-rush look even more unstoppable alongside five-star EDGE Zyron Forstall, four-star defensive lineman Azhir Waddell, four-star DL Chase Foster II and three-star EDGE Andre Robinson, among others.
The Ascenders are loaded on both sides of the ball. Five-star quarterback Jayden Wade ranks as the No. 1 passer in the 2028 cycle; the senior four-star wide receiver duo of Eric McFarland and Osani Gayles is among the best in the country; four-star cornerback Aaryn Washington, four-star CB Censere Gaylord and junior four-star CB Phoenix Evans sit atop a deep secondary room.
Vaughn is the No. 148 overall prospect and No. 16 EDGE in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s been committed to Notre Dame since May 26.
IMG is scheduled to open its season on Aug. 21 against Lone Peak (Utah). Per usual, it is playing a loaded slate filled with top programs from across the country.
The Ascenders went 10-0 last season and reigned atop the 2025 Florida High School Football Massey Rankings and No. 3 nationally, according to the Rivals National 2025 High School Football Composite Rankings. They begin this fall as the No. 10 team overall, per the Massey Ratings.
More about IMG Academy
“Established in 1978, with a pioneering concept known as the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, IMG Academy has since grown to become a global phenomenon. Today, IMG Academy is the world’s leading sports education brand, providing access and opportunity for student-athletes with an innovative suite of on-campus and online programming. IMG Academy is the only education brand directly responsible for filling one-quarter of all college roster spots on an annual basis. In 2021 alone, IMG Academy helped place 30,000 kids into college.”
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