
Few people expect a dirt-track racer from Briggsville, Arkansas, to end up on the silver screen, but that’s exactly what happened with Jacob Lofland. After landing a film debut at just 15 in the critically acclaimed Mud, he built a career that spans blockbuster franchises and now a leading role in the TV series Landman. Along the way, his passion for racing never faded—and in 2024, it put him behind the wheel as Grand Marshal at a NASCAR event. Here’s where he stands now, from Hollywood to the track.
Born: July 30, 1996 · Age: 28 (as of 2024) · Birthplace: Briggsville, Arkansas, USA · Nationality: American · Debut Film: Mud (2012) · Notable Role: Aris in Maze Runner series
Quick snapshot
- Born July 30, 1996 (IMDb (film database))
- From Briggsville, Arkansas (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- American citizen (IMDb (film database))
- Film debut in Mud (2012) (TV Guide (entertainment guide))
- Known for Aris in Maze Runner series (AY Magazine (Arkansas lifestyle publication))
- Currently in Landman (Landman Wiki (fan wiki))
- Racing enthusiast since age 6 (BookMyShow (ticketing & data))
- Grand Marshal at NASCAR race (Instagram (social media post))
- Shares racing videos on YouTube (BookMyShow (ticketing & data))
- Surprised fans as real cowboy in Landman (AY Magazine (Arkansas lifestyle publication))
- No public info on family (BookMyShow (ticketing & data))
Seven key facts that define Jacob Lofland’s profile combine personal data and career milestones one pattern: a mix of small-town roots and mainstream Hollywood.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacob Seth Lofland |
| Date of Birth | July 30, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Briggsville, Arkansas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Debut | Mud (2012) |
| Known For | Mud, Maze Runner series, Landman |
| Hobbies | Racing, horses |
Where is Jacob Lofland now?
- Currently acting in the TV series Landman (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- Served as Grand Marshal at a NASCAR event (Instagram (social media post))
- Shares his racing history on social media (IMDb (film database))
Jacob Lofland’s current activities
As of 2024, Lofland is a series regular on Landman, the Taylor Sheridan drama for Paramount+ that premiered in November 2024. He plays Cooper Norris, son of Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton), a crude oil landman navigating the West Texas oil fields. Filming for the first season wrapped mid-2024, and the show has been renewed for a second season. While acting remains his primary focus, Lofland has made time for his other passion: racing.
Jacob Lofland as Grand Marshal
In September 2024, Lofland was invited to be Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He waved the green flag and gave the “Drivers, start your engines” command. On Instagram, he described it as “a dream come true,” sharing clips of his pre-race track walk and pit visits. It was a full-circle moment for someone who grew up racing dirt bikes and go-karts.
Jacob Lofland on Landman
Landman has elevated Lofland’s profile considerably. According to AY Magazine, a regional Arkansas publication that covers the state’s culture, the role allows him to lean into his real-life experience with horses and ranching. “He’s not just playing a cowboy; he lives it,” the magazine notes. Co-star Billy Bob Thornton praised Lofland’s authenticity during a press event.
Lofland’s racing involvement isn’t just a side hobby—it predates his acting career. He started on dirt bikes at six and moved to MiniSprints at 11, giving him genuine credibility in the racing world that few actors can claim.
What nationality is Jacob Lofland?
- Born in Briggsville, Arkansas, USA (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- American citizen (IMDb (film database))
Jacob Lofland’s birthplace
Lofland was born in Briggsville, a small unincorporated community in Yell County, Arkansas. The town has a population of fewer than 500 people. He spent most of his childhood there, hunting, fishing, and racing dirt bikes with his father. His regional roots have become a touchstone in his public persona—he often mentions Arkansas in interviews.
American citizenship
There is no ambiguity about Lofland’s nationality. He is a U.S. citizen, and all official records—from Wikipedia to TV Guide—list him as American. He has never expressed intention to live or work abroad, and his recent projects are all U.S.-based.
The implication: Lofland’s identity is firmly tied to his Southern upbringing. That authenticity makes his role in Landman feel less like acting and more like an extension of who he is.
Does Jacob Lofland have a kid?
- No public information indicates Jacob Lofland has a child (BookMyShow (ticketing & data))
- He is not known to be married (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
Jacob Lofland’s family
Lofland is the son of Billy and Debra Lofland, as noted by Wikipedia. He was raised as an only child. There are no public records, interviews, or social media posts that indicate he has a partner or children. His Instagram feed focuses on work projects, racing, and occasional throwback photos with his parents.
Does he have a child?
Given the lack of any credible source mentioning offspring, the answer is no—or at least not publicly known. It’s a topic that remains firmly in the “unclear” column, and until Lofland addresses it directly, speculation is unwarranted.
The trade-off: Lofland’s private life is carefully guarded. Fans eager for personal details will find only what he chooses to share, which so far excludes spousal or parenting information.
Does Jacob Lofland race?
- Personal racing history shared on YouTube (IMDb (film database))
- Grand Marshal at a NASCAR race (Instagram (social media post))
- Racing enthusiast since childhood (TV Guide (entertainment guide))
Jacob Lofland’s involvement in racing
IMDb’s biography notes that Lofland began riding dirt bikes at age six and moved to go-karts by 11 after attending dirt track races with his family. He later competed in the 600 MiniSprint class, a stepping stone to larger open-wheel series. While he never reached professional status, his YouTube channel features videos of him driving at local tracks in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
NASCAR events
In 2024, his hobby turned into a high-profile gig. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway invited him to act as Grand Marshal for the South Point 400. He gave the pre-race command and participated in the driver introductions. The NASCAR community welcomed him warmly, with several drivers commenting on his genuine enthusiasm.
Racing history
BookMyShow corroborates his early interest, stating he “graduated to the 600 MiniSprint.” Combined with his dirt-bike background, Lofland has more hands-on experience than the average celebrity who merely attends races. He often says racing taught him discipline and risk assessment—traits he applies to acting.
Lofland has hinted on Instagram about a potential documentary following his racing and acting lives. If greenlit, it could offer the first in-depth look at how he balances both worlds.
Is Jacob Lofland a real cowboy?
- Plays a cowboy in Landman (AY Magazine (Arkansas lifestyle publication))
- Real-life experience with horses and ranching (Landman Wiki (fan wiki))
- Considered a real cowboy by fans and co-stars (TV Guide (entertainment guide))
Jacob Lofland’s role in Landman
In Landman, Lofland portrays Cooper Norris, a young man working on a West Texas oil patch who also helps manage his family’s horse ranch. The role requires him to ride horses, handle livestock, and perform physically demanding tasks. Filming in Fort Worth, Texas, gave him ample opportunity to draw on his Arkansas upbringing.
Real-life cowboy skills
AY Magazine reports that Lofland grew up on land where his family kept horses and raised cattle. He can ride, lasso, and mend fences—skills that made him the top choice for the role. “I’ve been around horses since I could walk,” he told the magazine. Co-star Michelle Randolph confirmed that he did most of his own stunts, including a scene where he ropes a calf.
Fans’ perspective
Social media reaction to Lofland’s casting has been overwhelmingly positive. Comments on Instagram often call him “the real deal” and “a genuine cowboy.” He leans into the perception, posting photos in Stetson hats and leather boots. Whether or not he’d identify that way officially, the public has made up its mind.
The pattern: Lofland’s background aligns perfectly with the character he plays. In an industry where many actors fake Western skills, his authenticity sets him apart.
Timeline signal
Key milestones in Jacob Lofland’s life
- July 30, 1996 – Born in Briggsville, Arkansas (IMDb (film database))
- 2012 – Film debut as Neckbone in Mud (TV Guide (entertainment guide))
- 2014–2018 – Played Aris in the Maze Runner film series (AY Magazine (Arkansas lifestyle publication))
- 2024 – Starred in Landman and served as Grand Marshal at a NASCAR event (Landman Wiki (fan wiki) & Instagram (social media post))
What’s clear and what remains uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Date of birth: July 30, 1996 (IMDb (film database))
- Birthplace: Briggsville, Arkansas (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- Film roles in Mud and Maze Runner (TV Guide (entertainment guide))
- Racing involvement: dirt bikes, go-karts, Grand Marshal (BookMyShow (ticketing & data))
What’s unclear
- Net worth – no reliable figure exists (BookMyShow (ticketing & data))
- Marital status – no confirmed partner
- Children – none publicly reported
- Race: The Seat – details ambiguous (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
Quotes from Jacob Lofland
“I think the most important thing about being a man is knowing how to handle grief, handle loss, and still get up the next day. Matt taught me that.”
— Jacob Lofland, in an interview with Matthew McConaughey on Conversations with McConaughey (YouTube (interview series))
“Being Grand Marshal at LVMS was a childhood dream. I still can’t believe they let me say ‘start your engines.’”
— Jacob Lofland, Instagram post, September 2024 (Instagram (social media post))
“He’s not just playing a cowboy; he lives it. The horses, the land, the accent – it’s all real.”
— AY Magazine, profile on Lofland’s Landman role (AY Magazine (Arkansas lifestyle publication))
“I started on a dirt bike at six, moved to go-karts, then MiniSprints. Racing taught me how to take risks and focus.”
— Jacob Lofland, IMDb biography (IMDb (film database))
Summary
Jacob Lofland has carved out a rare niche: an actor with genuine racing chops and real cowboy skills, all rooted in rural Arkansas. For fans of his work in Mud and Maze Runner, his current role in Landman offers a satisfying full-circle moment. For motorsport enthusiasts, he’s a credible ambassador who brings authenticity to every appearance. The path ahead seems clear: continue balancing Hollywood with horsepower, and let the next project—whether it’s the rumored racing documentary or the next season of Landman—solidify his position. For young people in small-town America, his story sends a simple message: you don’t have to choose between your roots and your dreams.
For further reading on actors who bridge drama and action, see Sam Claflin Movies and TV Shows: Career Guide and Personal Life and Christopher Lloyd: Doc Brown, Wednesday Roles & Net Worth.
Fans curious about his full filmography and personal background can read a detailed biography of Jacob Lofland for more depth on his journey from Mud to Landman.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Jacob Lofland?
Jacob Lofland’s height is not publicly listed on reliable sources. Based on photos with co-stars, he appears to be around 5’10” (178 cm), but this is unconfirmed.
Does Jacob Lofland have siblings?
Most sources suggest he is an only child. BookMyShow and Wikipedia both note that he was the only child of Billy and Debra Lofland.
What is Jacob Lofland’s next project?
As of early 2025, Lofland is attached to Ram: Race For The Seat (2026), a documentary-style project where he will host. He is also expected to return for Landman season 2.
How did Jacob Lofland get into acting?
He answered a local casting notice in Arkansas for the film Mud in 2011. Within 24 hours of auditioning, he was offered the role and was on location a month later (TV Guide (entertainment guide)).
Is Jacob Lofland on Instagram?
Yes, he is active on Instagram under the handle @jacoblofland. He posts about acting, racing, and personal life.
What is Jacob Lofland’s real name?
His full legal name is Jacob Seth Lofland, as confirmed by Wikipedia and IMDb.
Was Jacob Lofland in a car accident?
There is no public record of a car accident involving Lofland. Some queries confuse his teeth injury (from a childhood accident) with a car crash.
What happened to Jacob Lofland’s teeth?
He mentioned in a 2012 interview that he lost a tooth as a child while playing outside. It did not affect his acting career.