BREAKING: Five-Star Offensive Guard Donovan Jackson Flips Commitment to Missouri Tigers — Shocks Tennessee and Georgia
COLUMBIA, MO — In a seismic recruiting shake-up that’s sending shockwaves across the SEC, five-star offensive guard Donovan Jackson has officially flipped his commitment to the Missouri Tigers, stunning both Tennessee and Georgia, who were long believed to be the front-runners.
The 295-pound powerhouse from Houston, Texas, had previously committed to Tennessee after narrowing his top three to the Volunteers, Georgia Bulldogs, and Mizzou. But in a shocking twist late Monday night, Jackson announced via social media that he’s heading to Columbia — and the Tigers’ fanbase erupted in celebration.
> “I’ve thought long and hard about this,” Jackson said in a heartfelt post. “At the end of the day, Missouri just felt like home. The coaching staff believed in me from day one, and I believe in what they’re building in Columbia. I’m proud to be a Tiger.”
Jackson’s flip is a massive win for head coach Eliah Drinkwitz and offensive line coach Marcus Johnson, who’ve been tirelessly recruiting the elite lineman since his sophomore year. Standing at 6’4″, 295 pounds, with exceptional footwork, raw strength, and elite football IQ, Jackson is widely considered the top interior offensive lineman in the 2025 class.
Recruiting insiders say Mizzou’s recent surge in national relevance, strong NIL backing, and a clear path to early playing time were key factors in Jackson’s change of heart. Missouri’s “brick-by-brick” approach to rebuilding its offensive line has clearly struck a chord with recruits—and Jackson’s flip is proof that Columbia is becoming a destination, not just a backup plan.
This commitment comes as a major blow to both Josh Heupel’s Volunteers and Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs, each of whom had been in regular contact with Jackson and had in-home visits scheduled this fall. Analysts expected Jackson to anchor the offensive line at either powerhouse, but Missouri’s persistence and vision won the day.
> “Donovan Jackson is a tone-setter,” said 247Sports analyst Greg Biggins. “He’s not just a five-star on paper. He’s a locker room leader, a film room junkie, and someone who can anchor your O-line for three solid years. Getting him is a program-changing move.”
Missouri fans wasted no time celebrating. “We just stole a five-star from the SEC East AND Georgia?! Let’s go!” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Drinkwitz is cooking something special in Columbia.”
This commitment also signals a major shift in Mizzou’s recruiting identity. No longer content to settle for leftovers from SEC giants, the Tigers are now going head-to-head with college football’s blue bloods—and winning.
With Jackson’s addition, Missouri’s 2025 class now ranks among the top 10 nationally, with insiders calling it “arguably the best offensive line class in school history.”
Donovan Jackson is coming to Columbia. And with him comes muscle, momentum, and a whole new level of belief.
The Tigers just got a whole lot stronger—literally.
