An undersized, do-everything receiver who broke California's single-season receptions record after climbing from junior college.
Jacob De Jesus received no Division I offers out of high school, so he built his game at Modesto Junior College before working his way up through UNLV and finally California, where he became one of the most productive pass-catchers in the country. He signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2026 to add a dynamic slot and return option.
Path to the league
De Jesus went unrecruited out of Manteca High School in California and started his career at Modesto Junior College, where he racked up 105 receptions for 1,380 yards over two seasons. He transferred to UNLV in 2023, then to California for his final season in 2025, and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2026.
Career highlights
At UNLV, De Jesus earned first-team All-Mountain West honors at two return positions in 2023 while piling up 96 receptions and 1,118 yards over two seasons. He has been a dangerous all-purpose weapon at every stop, doubling as a return specialist throughout his college career.
2025 season recap
In his lone season at California, De Jesus caught 108 passes for 1,030 yards and six touchdowns, breaking the school's single-season receptions record and finishing second in the FBS in catches. He earned first-team All-ACC honors as both a return specialist and an all-purpose player before signing with Kansas City.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Jacob De Jesus
- Arrowhead Pride: The UDFA Files: Jacob De Jesus is a dynamic player with return skills
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- California
- Hometown
- Manteca, CA, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
