Jahmal Banks of the Nebraska Cornhuskers is one player to look out for this season! The 6’4”, 205-pounder from Arlington, Virginia, was a WR for the Demon Deacons for four seasons before entering the portal in December 2023.

The former three-star prospect had also received offers from Wisconsin, Purdue, Notre Dame, Minnesota, and Michigan. Banks chose to spend his fifth and final college season at Nebraska. The reason? The Huskers’ top-notch strength training and nutrition program and solid academic support system enticed him. As the WR prepares himself ahead of the season along with Rhule and the other receivers, here’s a look at his Banks family and the moments that shaped him into the player that he is.

Jahmal Banks has always been there for his family

Jahmal Banks, who went to Wake Forest University, played as a full-time starter last season, racking up 59 grabs for 653 yards and four touchdowns. Banks wrapped up his Wake Forest career with a staggering 107 catches for 1,404 yards and 13 touchdowns. Jahmal, who has roots in Washington, D.C., began his career as a football player at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore under coach Henry Russell. Even at school, Jahmal Banks has been much more than a football star; he is a multi-talented athlete who stars on the basketball court, too. He also made the Panthers one of the highest-ranked football teams, entering the USA Today poll at No. 4. Jahmal’s mom, Kristie, could not be more proud of her son.

It was not easy for Kristie Martin to raise children on her own. But she never gave up. It was this perseverance of his mama that inspired Jahmal both on and off the field. Jahmal, who grew up with his mum, sister, and grandma, had it difficult. Jahmal and his family had to move around frequently owing to the challenges they faced in their day-to-day lives. Despite all the hurdles, mama Kristie raised her kids to not only be good athletes but great human beings as well. Jahmal’s sister, Kyerra Martin, also played volleyball at Bowie State. Older sister KeeKee, who studied Sociology and Criminal Justice concentration in Forensic Science at Bowie State, was named the Most Valuable Player of the team in 2008. Currently, she works as a sales associate at Sports Authority.

Mama Kristie always loved how empathetic and caring Jahmal has been for the family. “Jahmal was so strong, and he never let us be apart and we got through it,” Kristie said. “That’s what makes his story such a good one. It was God and family, and Jahmal never wavered.”
Jahmal is also brother to three more sisters, Zuri, Yasmin, and Monae, and young Kevin.

How things are for Jahmal Banks in Nebraska?

Jahmal is as confident as ever as he joins the Nebraska team alongside other players, especially Isaiah Neyor. Banks has also been working on his dynamics with Nebraska’s star QB Dylan Raiola. “I haven’t seen anybody warm up like him,” Banks praised the QB. “Maybe Sam Hartman (at Wake), how quickly he gets depth and his arm strength and his tight spin.”

While coach Rhule’s Nebraska is getting ready with his playmakers for the season, Banks’ main competition is his own self.
“I don’t feel any entitlement. It’s about work and building. We’re all trying to get better. They want to learn and listen but they can ball, too. I love to compete with myself — the man in the mirror — and I know they’re going to challenge themselves to do that as well.”