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Donovan Jackson, a star for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has joined the elite group of Super Bowl contenders.

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Ohio State Buckeyes Star Donovan Jackson Joins Top-Tier Super Bowl Contender

COLUMBUS, OH — April 25, 2025

The road from Columbus to the NFL has welcomed another standout: Donovan Jackson, a dominant force on Ohio State’s offensive line, is officially off the draft board—and heading to a Super Bowl-caliber roster. In a move that immediately strengthens the trenches for one of the NFL’s most complete teams, Jackson was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

A two-time All-Big Ten selection and one of the most respected locker room leaders in Columbus, Jackson brings more than just talent to Kansas City. He brings pedigree, polish, and a relentless work ethic—all of which helped turn him into one of the best interior offensive linemen in college football.

“It’s surreal,” Jackson said, sitting beside his parents in his Houston hometown after receiving the call from Andy Reid. “The Chiefs are the gold standard. And now I get to protect the best quarterback on the planet. Let’s go.”


A Buckeye Beast in the Trenches

Standing 6-foot-4, weighing 315 pounds, with a background in both tackle and guard play, Donovan Jackson was a foundational piece of Ohio State’s offensive line for the past three seasons. Known for his explosiveness off the snap, violent hand usage, and uncanny agility for a man his size, Jackson consistently anchored the interior against elite Big Ten defensive fronts.

A five-star recruit out of Bellaire (TX) Episcopal High School, Jackson committed to Ohio State as part of the 2021 recruiting class, and from the moment he arrived in Columbus, he was pegged as a future NFL starter. After a rotational freshman year, he locked down the starting left guard job as a sophomore and never looked back.

“There’s tough, and then there’s Donovan Jackson tough,” said OSU head coach Ryan Day. “He’s smart, physical, and completely dedicated to the game. He’s a pro in every sense.”


NFL-Ready Skill Set

Kansas City’s front office made it clear that Jackson wasn’t just a value pick—they targeted him as someone they see starting from Day 1. Offensive line coach Andy Heck praised Jackson’s versatility and temperament, calling him “a finisher.”

Here’s a breakdown of Jackson’s biggest assets:

💥 Physicality and Strength

Jackson boasts elite upper-body strength, consistently driving defenders off their spots. His ability to anchor in pass protection against bull rushers makes him a plug-and-play interior lineman.

🧠 Football IQ

A high-level communicator, Jackson made pre-snap reads and line calls alongside his center, showcasing advanced understanding of defensive alignments and blitz packages.

🦶 Footwork and Agility

For a guard, Jackson moves with the fluidity of a tackle. He excelled in wide-zone schemes and pulled with precision in Ohio State’s power run concepts.

📉 Low Penalty Rate

In 2024, Jackson committed just two penalties in over 850 snaps—impressive discipline that caught the eye of NFL scouts.


Kansas City’s O-Line Overhaul

The Chiefs entered this draft cycle with one goal: bolster the offensive line in front of Patrick Mahomes. Though Mahomes led KC to another deep playoff run in 2024, the interior protection wavered at times, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

Now, with Donovan Jackson in the fold, the Chiefs are expected to slide him in at left guard, allowing Joe Thuney to potentially mentor him or move into more of a flex role. Jackson will line up next to standout center Creed Humphrey, forming what could quickly become one of the best interior lines in the AFC.

“He fits exactly what we want to do,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Big, smart, athletic. And most importantly, a great teammate.”


The Draft Call: An Emotional Moment

Jackson watched the draft at home surrounded by family, teammates, and coaches who had helped shape his journey. The call from Kansas City came midway through the second round—shortly after several other linemen had been taken—and was met with cheers, tears, and celebration.

“Coach Reid said, ‘Are you ready to block for Patrick Mahomes?’ I couldn’t stop smiling,” Jackson recalled. “That’s the kind of question every lineman dreams of hearing.”

His parents, Michael and Samantha Jackson, were overcome with emotion.

“He’s been focused on this since he was in middle school,” said Michael. “To see it all come full circle is the greatest gift.”


Leadership, Character, and Culture Fit

Beyond his physical gifts, Jackson earned a reputation in Columbus as one of the most mature and respected players on the roster. Named a team captain in 2023, he was often seen guiding younger linemen through drills, leading film study sessions, and speaking to local high school athletes during Buckeye community outreach events.

“He’s the kind of guy you build your team around,” said OSU offensive coordinator Justin Frye. “Kansas City got a gem—not just a player, but a culture guy.”

In Kansas City, a team with championship expectations every year, locker room culture is everything. The Chiefs pride themselves on chemistry, character, and accountability—and by all accounts, Jackson checks every box.


What This Means for Kansas City’s Super Bowl Window

Let’s be clear: The Kansas City Chiefs are already a juggernaut. But if there’s been one area where opponents have found cracks, it’s been inside pressure. By bringing in Donovan Jackson, the Chiefs aren’t just adding depth—they’re securing the foundation for continued success.

Mahomes, who was sacked 29 times in 2024 (including 4 times in the AFC title game), will now have an elite young guard protecting him from the interior. That not only extends his longevity but opens up the RPO game, screen packages, and inside zone concepts the Chiefs have built their offense around.

“We believe Donovan can help us win now and later,” said GM Brett Veach. “That’s why we made this move.”


Reaction Across Buckeye Nation

As the news broke, social media lit up with congratulatory messages from across the Buckeye community:

  • Paris Johnson Jr. (Cardinals OT): “Let’s gooooo!!! Dono is a dawg. KC got a real one.”
  • C.J. Stroud (Texans QB): “Man protected me like a brick wall. So proud of my guy Donovan.”
  • TreVeyon Henderson (OSU RB): “Built different. Congrats to the best guard in college football!”

Ohio State offensive linemen coach Justin Frye also shared his thoughts:

“He earned every bit of this. He studied the game like a pro, practiced like a vet, and now he’s about to thrive at the next level.”


Final College Stats & Accolades

Career Starts at Ohio State: 34
Penalties in Final Season: 2
Sacks Allowed (2024): 0
Honors:

  • First-Team All-Big Ten (2023)
  • Second-Team All-American (2023)
  • Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Week (x4)

What’s Next: Rookie Minicamp and Summer Grind

Jackson will report to Kansas City for rookie minicamp in early May. From there, he’ll dive into the Chiefs’ playbook and begin working with the first-team offense during OTA sessions.

Don’t be surprised if he’s named the starting left guard before preseason even begins.

“I’m not here to sit back,” Jackson said. “I’m here to earn everything and help win championships.”


Conclusion: A Perfect Match of Talent and Opportunity

Few prospects in this year’s NFL Draft offered the combination of talent, leadership, and maturity that Donovan Jackson does. And few NFL franchises are better suited to maximize that potential than the Kansas City Chiefs.

In a league where games are won in the trenches and quarterbacks must be protected at all costs, Jackson’s arrival couldn’t be better timed. He now steps onto the biggest stage of his life, tasked with keeping the face of the league—Patrick Mahomes—safe and upright.

“The goal isn’t just to make it,” Jackson said. “The goal is to dominate. To win rings. That’s what I came here to do.”

For Ohio State, it’s another proud moment in a legacy of excellence. For Kansas City, it’s another smart move in their quest to stay on top. For Donovan Jackson, it’s the beginning of something truly special.

 

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