BREAKING: Five-Star Offensive Guard Donovan Jackson Flips Commitment to Missouri Tigers, Rejects Tennessee and Georgia in Shocking Move
In a stunning twist that’s shaking up the college football recruiting landscape, five-star offensive guard Donovan Jackson, a 6’4″, 295-pound powerhouse, has flipped his commitment to the University of Missouri Tigers, rejecting powerhouse programs Tennessee and Georgia. The unexpected decision marks a huge recruiting win for Mizzou and a major statement about the program’s rising national relevance.
Jackson, widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the 2025 class, originally committed to Tennessee last fall before re-opening his recruitment amid growing interest from several SEC and Big Ten programs. Georgia, known for producing elite offensive linemen, had emerged as a frontrunner in recent months—making his decision to commit to Missouri even more shocking to fans and analysts alike.
“I had to go with my heart,” Jackson said in a statement posted to social media. “Missouri made me feel like family from day one. They’ve believed in me, not just as a player, but as a person. That means everything. I’m ready to build something special in Columbia.”
Donovan Jackson brings elite size, athleticism, and a fierce mentality to the offensive line. Known for his explosive first step, strong hands, and ability to dominate at the point of attack, he’s expected to make an immediate impact on Missouri’s offensive front. Recruiting services have consistently ranked him among the top 20 players nationally and the No. 1 offensive guard in several rankings.
Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz responded to the news with excitement:
“This is a game-changing commitment for our program,” he said. “Donovan is not only one of the best in the country—he’s the kind of leader and competitor that raises the standard for everyone around him. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Mizzou family.”
The ripple effects of Jackson’s decision are already being felt across the SEC. Tennessee fans expressed disappointment after believing they had secured a future anchor for their offensive line, and Georgia supporters were similarly blindsided by his pivot. For Missouri, however, this marks one of the biggest recruiting victories in recent memory.
Analysts believe Jackson’s commitment is part of a larger trend showing Missouri’s improved recruiting presence under Drinkwitz, who has emphasized relationship-building, player development, and a renewed focus on securing top in-state and regional talent. Jackson, who hails from Texas, represents a major out-of-state pull and validates the coaching staff’s efforts on the national stage.
“Missouri is not just a stepping stone anymore,” Jackson added. “It’s a place where I believe I can develop, win big, and make history.”
Missouri fans have taken to social media to celebrate, flooding Jackson’s announcement with tiger emojis and words of support. The buzz around Columbia is undeniable, and with Jackson in the fold, Mizzou’s 2025 recruiting class is quickly becoming one of the strongest in school history.
With Donovan Jackson on board, the Tigers just got a whole lot tougher—and the SEC just got a new f
orce to reckon with.
