Jacobs opted to continue his development in the United States Hockey League, joining the Indiana Ice in the 2012–13 season and later committing to play collegiate hockey with Michigan State University of the Big Ten Conference. In his second season with Indiana, Jacobs helped contribute with 23 points in 56 games to claim the Clark Cup. Jacobs was drafted by the Devils in the second round, 41st overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.