Bengals defensive end McKinnley Jackson is thrilled with the Texas A&M Aggies’ selection. Stewart Shemar

The world of college football is filled with moments of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes pure joy, especially when it comes to the recruitment of future stars. When McKinnley Jackson, defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals, heard the news that Texas A&M had officially secured the commitment of Shemar Stewart, it was more than just another recruit being added to the team. For Jackson, it was a full-circle moment, a testament to the strength of the Texas A&M football program, and a sign that the Aggies were continuing to build on their legacy of defensive dominance.

A Shared Foundation: Jackson and Stewart at Texas A&M

McKinnley Jackson’s path to the NFL is one that many young athletes dream of, and it all started in his hometown of Lucedale, Mississippi. As a standout in high school, Jackson was one of the most highly recruited defensive linemen in the nation. After committing to Texas A&M, he immediately became a force on the Aggies’ defensive line, known for his quickness, power, and relentless pursuit of the ball. Throughout his college career, Jackson amassed 91 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, earning All-SEC honors and eventually becoming a key part of the Bengals’ defense after being selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Jackson’s leadership and tenacity on the field made him a fan favorite at Texas A&M, where his commitment to excellence left a lasting mark on the program. But his time at A&M wasn’t just about what he did on the field. Jackson was also a mentor to younger players, including defensive linemen like Shemar Stewart, who would follow in his footsteps.

Stewart, a highly touted recruit out of Opa-locka, Florida, had many options when it came to selecting a school. But after meeting with Texas A&M coaches and spending time with Jackson and other veteran players, Stewart knew that College Station was where he wanted to be. Stewart was drawn not just to the coaching staff and facilities but to the strong tradition of Texas A&M football, particularly on the defensive line.

“McKinnley was one of the first guys to reach out to me when I started looking at A&M,” Stewart said. “He told me, ‘This is a place that can take your game to the next level. But you’ve got to be ready to put in the work.’ He was a leader, and that meant a lot to me.”

The Aggie Defensive Line Tradition

The tradition of producing NFL-caliber defensive linemen at Texas A&M is nothing new. For years, the Aggies have been a launching pad for future pros, with players like Myles Garrett, Kingsley Keke, and Justin Madubuike leading the charge. Garrett, in particular, has set a high bar for future Aggie defensive ends, and as a former number one overall pick in the NFL Draft, his success served as an inspiration for players like Jackson and Stewart.

Jackson saw the potential for Texas A&M to continue this legacy when he first arrived on campus. But now, as a professional, he looks back on his time at A&M with pride, knowing that he was a part of building something that would continue to flourish long after his departure. In his eyes, Shemar Stewart is the next in line to continue the Aggies’ defensive dominance.

“I’m excited for Shemar,” Jackson said. “He’s a special talent. The first time I saw him in person, I knew right away he was going to be a beast. He’s got the size, the speed, and the mentality. It’s all there.”

Stewart’s commitment to Texas A&M only further solidified the Aggies’ status as a powerhouse in college football. A five-star recruit with elite physical traits, Stewart’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him an ideal fit for the defensive line. At 6’6″ and 285 pounds, Stewart possesses the ideal frame to play both inside and outside, and his speed and power make him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.

But beyond his physical tools, it was Stewart’s mindset and work ethic that caught Jackson’s attention. Much like Jackson, Stewart knew that success wouldn’t come easily, and he was willing to put in the work to reach the top.

The NFL Dream: From Aggies to Pros

As Jackson prepared to make the leap to the NFL, he was keenly aware of the challenges that awaited him. But his years at Texas A&M had prepared him well. The intense competition in the SEC, the top-tier coaching, and the high expectations that came with being an Aggie all played a part in shaping Jackson into the player he is today.

When Jackson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024, he was ready. He had already faced some of the best players in college football, and now he was going to do the same in the NFL. Jackson’s rookie season with the Bengals was marked by his strong play on the defensive line, where his presence was felt on nearly every snap. His quickness, size, and motor made him a key contributor, and he quickly became known as one of the most promising young defensive players on the team.

For Stewart, the journey to the NFL was just beginning, but the foundation was already being built. Jackson, who was now a few years ahead of Stewart in terms of NFL experience, offered advice and guidance whenever possible. Stewart, who was focused on developing his skills at Texas A&M, knew that his time would come. And with the support of players like Jackson, he was confident that he could make a smooth transition to the next level.

Jackson’s Reaction to Stewart’s Success

When Jackson heard that Shemar Stewart had committed to Texas A&M, he couldn’t hide his excitement. As a former Aggie himself, Jackson understood the significance of the selection and what it meant for the future of the program. Stewart, with his raw talent and hunger for success, was the perfect fit for A&M’s defensive line, and Jackson couldn’t wait to see him succeed.

“Man, I’m beyond excited for him,” Jackson said. “When you see a guy like that coming through, you know it’s going to be special. I can’t wait to see what he does. He’s going to change games, no doubt.”

Jackson’s excitement wasn’t just about Stewart’s potential on the field—it was about the impact Stewart would have on the culture of the team. Texas A&M football has always been about more than just individual talent. It’s about hard work, discipline, and playing for the team. Jackson believed Stewart would embrace these values and carry them forward for years to come.

The Next Generation of Aggie Defensive Stars

As Jackson settles into his professional career with the Bengals, he continues to keep an eye on his alma mater, proud of what Texas A&M is accomplishing. He’s watched as the program has developed new stars on defense and maintained its reputation as a pipeline to the NFL. Stewart’s arrival at A&M only strengthens this narrative, and Jackson couldn’t be more thrilled for the young defensive lineman who follows in his footsteps.

“The way we work here, the way we develop talent—Shemar’s going to be a big part of that,” Jackson said. “He’s going to set the standard for the next generation of Aggies. We’ve always had great defenders here, and Shemar’s going to be no different. He’s going to leave his mark.”

Looking Ahead: Stewart’s Path to the NFL

For Stewart, the next few years are about proving himself on the college level before making the jump to the NFL. With a combination of size, speed, and intelligence, he has all the tools to be a star. But as Jackson knows all too well, it’s not just about talent—it’s about dedication, perseverance, and the willingness to put in the work every single day.

“I’m just focused on getting better,” Stewart said. “I’ve learned a lot from guys like McKinnley, and I’m going to take that with me every day. I want to leave a legacy at Texas A&M and take my game to the next level when the time comes.”

The relationship between McKinnley Jackson and Shemar Stewart is a perfect example of how college football programs, like Texas A&M, build lasting legacies. For Jackson, Stewart represents the next generation of talent that will continue to push the Aggies to new heights. For Stewart, Jackson’s example serves as both inspiration and a blueprint for what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

As both players move forward in their careers, there is no doubt that the bond formed at Texas A&M will continue to shape their paths, whether on the field or in the locker room. Jackson’s excitement about Stewart’s success is a testament to the lasting impact of the Aggie football program, one that continues to produce NFL-caliber talent year after year.