​BIRMINGHAM, AL – After a breakout season in 2025, Jackson State football defensive back Kam Sallis had the option to transfer to a number of FBS programs.In December, he shared on social media that he’d be entering the transfer portal. He said several mid-major and Power Four programs expressed interest in him, but in January, he decided to return to JSU.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNow, he’s the preseason pick for SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and the face of Jackson State’s defense, which ranked No. 2 in points and yards allowed last season.“It means a lot to be recognized by the SWAC,” Sallis said at SWAC Media Day on July 15. “It’s great competition out here with those guys, but going into a season like this, obviously, I had personal goals, and that was one of the top goals I had for myself.”Sallis said his decision to return was made in part due to the culture of the program and the support he received from Jackson State’s staff. He also noted that as a native of Pickens, Mississippi, located 50 miles north of Jackson, staying at JSU helps him be closer to home.“That’s what did it for me, being at home around my family,” Sallis said. “My grandad not being able to see me at Kansas State, so staying at Jackson State, he’ll be able to see me at games and stuff like that, so that meant a lot to me.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLast season, as a transfer from Kansas State, Sallis made the All-SWAC second team after finishing fourth on the team with 53 tackles and two interceptions and two forced fumbles. This year, he’s the Tigers’ only defensive player to make the preseason All-SWAC first team.“If you watched him play, that lets you know why he’s Defensive Player of the Year,” Jackson State coach T.C. Taylor said. “… What I’ve seen him do this year is take hold of the defense as his own now this summer and this offseason, so I’m excited about Kam. He’s strong in the weight room. He can run, physical, so he’s going to be a force on that field.”Sallis is also one of just three returning defensive starters. As a result, he’s taken charge of helping new players adjust to “get everybody on the same page.” He says leadership is one area he’s grown in the most this offseason, something even his teammates on the other side of the ball can see.“His grit, like the want, he pushes me every day to be a better quarterback,” sophomore starter Jared Lockhart said. “I lead my team. He leads his side. Just the work ethic that he shows, he just teaches everybody the right thing.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why Jackson State football star Kam Sallis didn’t transfer, returned to Tigers