From High School On SI · · 3m
Virginia's Loudoun Sports Academy goes all-in on year two
A second-year football program recruits 30+ Division I prospects and schedules opponents from six states.
In brief
A second-year football program recruits 30+ Division I prospects and schedules opponents from six states. Loudoun Sports Academy is prioritizing college recruitment over wins by assembling elite talent and scheduling tough national opponents in just its second season. Originally reported by High School On SI.
No gradual build in year two
Loudoun Sports Academy is in its second football season but isn't taking baby steps. The Virginia program is loading up on elite talent and national competition.
30+ players with Division I offers
The Leesburg Timberwolves roster includes four-star recruits, multiple Power Four commits, and transfers from established programs in Virginia, Maryland, California and Nevada.
Schedule spans six states
After going 6-4 in their first season, LSA opened 2026 with three losses while facing opponents from Tennessee, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.
College access over wins
Head coach Jesse Jackson says wins matter, but the program's first priority is helping players create opportunities to attend college.
Four-star receiver Malachi Lee
The former Westfield standout is a Class of 2028 four-star wide receiver who has narrowed his choices to 12 schools including Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan and USC.
Kansas commit at quarterback
Senior Chance Thomas joined LSA after a stint at Bishop Gorman. Last season in California, he threw for 3,327 yards and 33 touchdowns while rushing for 734 yards and seven scores.
Virginia Tech gets Cam Wade
Four-star wide receiver Cam Wade has committed to Virginia Tech, adding another elite prospect to the Timberwolves' receiving corps.
NFL bloodlines on the roster
Freshman Jaxon Harris, son of Jets coach Chris Harris, already has six Division I offers. Junior Caleb Smoot, son of former NFL cornerback Fred Smoot, has 11 offers.
Three-star running back Marquece Sharpe
Sharpe has attracted offers from Pitt, Penn State, Minnesota, Purdue, Colorado, Florida State, Miami, Maryland, Michigan and Wake Forest.
Offensive line draws major interest
Tackle Malachi Hill, listed at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, has attracted interest from Colorado, Maryland, Pitt, Penn State, North Carolina and Syracuse.
Four-star edge rusher Darnell Engoto
The defensive front features Engoto with offers from South Carolina, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Pitt, Penn State, Miami, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Indiana.
Linebacker with Ohio State offer
Jayvion "Pop" Maldon has a lengthy offer list including Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Ohio State, North Carolina, Pitt, Maryland, Wake Forest, Nebraska and Georgia Tech.
Former NFL receiver joins staff
Lucky Whitehead, who played for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets, joined LSA this season as wide receivers coach.
“I am blessed and excited to coach a receiving corps with numerous talented student-athletes.”
Tough schedule by design
LSA is 0-3 after a 6-4 debut season, but Jackson chose to test the program against ambitious opponents rather than build around easier wins.
DeMatha and St. James ahead
The Timberwolves face Washington Catholic Athletic Conference power DeMatha Catholic on Sept. 18 and close the regular season against The St. James Performance Academy on Oct. 31.
Preparing players for the next level
Jackson wants his players competing against opponents that can prepare them for college football while earning opportunities for free education.
Here's the gist
Loudoun Sports Academy is prioritizing college recruitment over wins by assembling elite talent and scheduling tough national opponents in just its second season.
