Villanova QB Commit Jackson Solley Learns to Lead After Transferring

Villanova Football quarterback commit Jackson Solley transferred from Upper Merion to Episcopal Academy last offseason and,despite two years as a starter with the Vikings, the 6-foot-2, 190 pound signal caller had to prove himself all over again at his new home.

Solley, who reclassified from 2026 to 2027 in the process, said that switching schools taught him a valuable lesson about leadership.

“There was definitely some adversity at first. I was a two year starter, I started as a sophomore at Upper Merion, so I reclassified when I went to Episcopal. I had to earn the spot again,” Solley said. “It was fun to compete though, and definitely taught me a lot about getting to command a new group of people, earning people’s respect, stuff like that. I think it was a really good learning experience, and I’m happy I did it.”

Getting to Know Villanova

Solley also started communicating with Villanova Football’s coaching staff — namely offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chris Boden — around the same time he transferred. As per usual, the Wildcats waited to issue an offer, getting to know Solley as a person before making their bid.

“I first got an introduction to Villanova’s coaching staff last year, last winter after the season. They came to the school to talk to me,” Solley said. “Coach Boden was back in to see me in the winter, we really started building a relationship from there…I got on campus in the spring, had a great time on my visit. He came to see me throw, I had a really good workout, and just kept building from there.”

Growing up just down the road from Villanova, Solley said committing to his hometown team was a slam dunk.

“I’m super excited to play for my hometown team, I live 15 minutes from the school,” Solley said. “I think it’s super cool to be able to play for a team I grew up rooting for — one of the big Philly sports teams, I think.”

When asked about his strengths as a quarterback, Solley focused on his attention to detail and arm talent. 

Preparation is Key

Beyond plenty of film study, he said he’s able to limit turnovers because of his timing — putting the ball where it needs to go when he wants it to go there.

“As a quarterback I think I see the game really well, I prepare a lot before games: watch tons of film, talk to my offensive coordinator about our game plans each week and feel super confident in executing,” Solley said. “From an arm talent side I feel like I can make any throw on the field, and I play with really good rhythm and timing. I’d say I’m on time a lot, and I think that’s a big strength in my game. I think it’s why I limit turnovers.”

Solley’s game film backs up that assessment: he amassed 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns to just three interceptions over nine games as a junior.

Solley also has the benefit of playing 7-on-7 football in the offseasons, which he said forces him to look at the game from a different perspective. Instead of relying on his strengths like film study and timing, he has to make plays on the fly in order to succeed.

“I joke around with my coaches all the time, and they hate to hear this, but sometimes 7-on-7 is harder than tackle football because you can’t prepare for those teams. You’re showing up and you’re kind of just expecting and reacting on each play, going from play to play,” Solley said. “Maybe you watch the game before, but you’re really just thinking on your feet and making quick decisions, checking on the play pre-snap. It translates really well to football… The windows are much tighter in 7-on-7 and it’s a really good test for overall high quarterback play.”