: The Buzz Around a Future Star
Donovan Jackson, the former Ohio State Buckeyes standout, is already turning heads in NFL circles before taking his first professional snap. Drafted 24th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jackson is drawing high praise from league insiders, including one anonymous NFL coach who boldly predicted the rookie guard “will make a few Pro Bowls” and serve as a dependable 10-year starter. At Ohio State, Jackson built an impressive resume: First-Team All-Big Ten honors, a First-Team All-American nod, and the versatility to switch from guard to left tackle midseason when the team needed him most. That selflessness and durability made him one of the most trusted linemen in college football. ESPN reports that Minnesota was enamored with his blend of athleticism, intelligence, and maturity—traits that have already shown up during minicamp reps with the Vikings’ first-team offensive line. As early excitement builds in Minnesota, Jackson is shaping up to be more than just a safe pick—he could be the anchor of a new era in the trenches.
: What It Means for the Vikings
The Vikings have gone all-in this offseason to fortify the offensive line, and Jackson is central to that plan. Minnesota committed over $100 million to offensive line upgrades, including the additions of veteran center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries. But it’s Jackson—at left guard—who could define this unit’s future. His quick hands, football IQ, and toughness make him an ideal complement to his more seasoned teammates. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson consistently ranked in the top tier for run blocking in both zone and gap schemes during his college career—making him a scheme-versatile asset for the Vikings’ evolving offense under second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jackson’s character and leadership also align with Minnesota’s culture-first approach. Coaches love his no-nonsense attitude, and teammates respect his calm demeanor and ability to lead by example. With strong OTA showings already under his belt and training camp looming, all signs point to Jackson being a Day 1 starter with legitimate long-term Pro Bowl upside.
Integrity Questions and Broader Implications
But while Jackson’s NFL future looks bright, the attention he’s drawing also casts a spotlight back on Ohio State’s broader program culture—and not all of it is flattering. Some critics are questioning how a player as NFL-ready as Jackson could fly under the radar compared to flashier prospects, raising concerns about whether Ohio State’s internal evaluation processes prioritize the right values. Others argue that Jackson’s willingness to switch positions and sacrifice personal accolades speaks more to his individual integrity than to the Buckeyes’ system as a whole. With the NFL spotlight growing hotter, discussions around how Ohio State grooms its linemen—what gets praised, what gets overlooked—are intensifying. If Jackson shines in the NFL, it could challenge the perception of how the Buckeyes develop and showcase elite talent, and what that says about their internal priorities. For now, though, Minnesota fans are celebrating the arrival of a rare gem—and Jackson is quietly getting to work, just like he always has.
