Jackson Earns Spot in NCAA East First Round

Jackson Earns Spot in NCAA East First Round

5/27/2025 8:00:00 AM

BALTIMORE, Md. (May 27, 2025) -- The anticipation that had been building for weeks finally culminated with the release of the official NCAA Division I East First Round declared athletes list. Among the names of elite collegiate track and field competitors, one stood out for the Morgan State Bears: junior Dante Jackson.

Jackson's hard work and dedication throughout the season has earned him a coveted spot to compete in the highly competitive 400 meters.

The East First Round, to be held in Jacksonville, Florida, promises to be a challenging national stage, but Jackson will undoubtedly be aiming to make a strong impression and advance further in the NCAA championships.

"It's always a good feeling to have our student-athletes get to this level, and to experience what it means to be amongst the best," said MSU head coach Neville Hodge. "This is Dante's first time getting to the NCAA preliminary and it shows what one can accomplish when they have confidence, and the belief that anything is possible."

Jackson, an Alexandria, Virginia. product, will open regional championship action for the Bears on Wednesday (May 28) at 7:25 p.m. in the men's 400 meters. 
 
On May 2nd, Jackson showcased his speed at the Maryland Kehoe Twilight Meet, where he raced to a career-best time of 46.35. Just a few weeks later, at the MEAC Outdoor Championships in Norfolk, Virginia, Jackson ran a time of 47.28 meters to earn the bronze medal, solidifying his status as one of the top sprinters in the conference.
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The top 12 finishers in each individual event and 12 teams from each relay event from the NCAA East First Round will advance to the NCAA Championships. The NCAA Championships will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. on June 5-8.

ESPN+ will provide daily coverage of the East First Round meet.

Tickets are available for purchase here. 

You can find schedule of events for the 2025 NCAA East and West first rounds below:
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.


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