(Oakland, IA) — Riverside Star Running Back Jaxson Gordon has announced that he will be attending Morningside University to play football starting in the Fall of 2026. Gordon did not get started in the recruiting process until the summer because he did not know what he wanted to do. He chose the NAIA power Mustangs over Wayne St. , Augustana and Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA. Gordon says that Head Coach Steve Ryan and Running Backs Coach Laken Hartley were a huge difference in his decision
Morningside is considered a football powerhouse in NAIA — the Mustangs won national championships in 2018, 2019 and 2021 and went 9-3 last season losing in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Gordon says he will have to get stronger to earn playing time on a team that competes at a high level
Gordon ends his Riverside football career with 5,826 yards which ranks 19th all time in Iowa history plus 526 points which also ranks 19th all time in Iowa. Gordon says it was a thrill to suit for the Bulldogs and will remember sharing moments with his teammates
Gordon feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders so he will be relaxed and is now focused on his wrestling season
Gordon believes he has what it takes to get on the podium at the state wrestling tournament and also is looking forward to the track and field season — he says Riverside has a strong team that can contend for a state title. Gordon says he plans on joining Riverside alum Keaton Rieken in the aviation program at Morningside.
Complete Interview with Riverside Senior Jaxson Gordon
