2025 NFL Draft: Donovan Jackson Selected No. 24 Overall By Minnesota Vikings

Former Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson has found his home in the NFL. Jackson, a three-year starter for the Buckeyes, was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night.

Jackson was the second Buckeye taken in the draft and the first OSU offensive linemen selected.

Dating back to his days in high school, Jackson always seemed to have NFL potential, as a five-star and top-20 prospect nationally.

Jackson became a starter in his sophomore season with the Buckeyes and earned All-Big Ten first-team honors. After another All-Big Ten first-team caliber season in 2023, Jackson flashed his versatility last year and played offensive tackle after Simmons went down with a season-ending injury.

Spending the first half of the year at guard and the second half of the year at tackle, Jackson earned a first-team All-American nod as a consistent force along the Buckeyes’ offensive line. With Jackson’s help, Ohio State ran for 158 yards per game and allowed only one sack per game during the College Football Playoffs