Saturday's dance moves just the start for Purdue's Michael Jackson III

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Michael Jackson III’s touchdown in the third quarter of Purdue’s 31-0 win over Ball State was a long time coming. It had been nearly two years since the sixth-year wide receiver reached the end zone in a game, dating back to September 2023, when he did so against Nevada as a member of USC.

The moment of jubilation for Jackson bubbled over into a much anticipated celebration for the new Purdue pass catcher, an ode to the King of Pop. He opted for a swift kick and a grab of the helmet to pay homage to the musical legend with which he shares a name.

Jackson could be waiting to break out the Moonwalk or anti-gravity lean for future scores, which he expects there to be more of with the Boilermakers.

“It won’t be the last one you see,” Jackson said.

“I was just kind of having fun out there. It just kind of came to me when I scored. So just the fact that went viral, that’s cool, and I think the fans loved it. So just cool to see,” Jackson said. “It was more so like, my teammates and stuff pushing me to do it. I mean, I have the name, I might as well embrace it.”

Purdue’s aerial attack was humming on Saturday afternoon in Ross-Ade Stadium, racking up 340 yards through the air, with Jackson and Arhmad Branch accounting for just over half of that (173) between the two. After Branch’s explosion in the first quarter, it was Jackson who settled into quarterback Ryan Browne’s go-to target for the remainder of the contest, hauling in six of seven targets for 72 yards and the aforementioned score.

Despite having a matter of months together on the field, Jackson and Browne have developed a level of chemistry on the field, and it showed on Saturday. Browne looked Jackson’s way throughout the second and third quarter when the Boilermakers needed a play.

“We kind of know what to expect from each other. We talk a lot on and off the field, you know, building that chemistry, hanging out with each other and just going over everything, watching film together and all that stuff. So I think we just built that chemistry really fast, definitely in fall camp,” Jackson said. “I get open for him, he makes the read and I make the play.”

His play on Saturday did not come as much of a surprise, as he had been one of the top offensive standouts throughout fall camp, emerging as a trustworthy member of Purdue’s receiving corps.

“Anytime as a quarterback, you can have somebody, groups of guys, or maybe one or two as you start here, that you can count on and understand dependable. That’s a great feeling. I think Mike has provided some of that, because he does it every single day in practice. He’s consistent, and he works extremely hard. We’re counting on him in the return game. And then offensively, you can see the more and more, how he’s going to continue to earn opportunities just the way prepares and practices,” Barry Odom said of Jackson.

Offensive coordinator Josh Henson saw Jackson in Southern California, when the two were with the Trojans and have now reunited in West Lafayette. The consistency piece, both on and off the field, sets the standard for the Purdue receiving corps.

“Mike’s just a worker, and he’s quiet and he’s a great leader by example. He comes to practice every day and works extremely hard and does little things right, and is constantly trying to get his game better. And I think, from an older guy in that room, to show that kind of work ethic and just every day showing up being Mr. Consistent. I think it’s been a great thing for our wide receiver room,” Henson said.

As Purdue looks to continues its offensive success moving forward, Jackson figures to be a key cog in that venture, which could lead to more dance moves in the weeks to come.

Michael Jackson III hits the Michael Jackson 🕺

Good timing, too, as it was the King of Pop's birthday yesterday.@mike3jack x @BoilerFootball pic.twitter.com/2B4aALq3PF

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 30, 2025