Jeremiah Smith and Sonny Styles have never been shy about speaking their minds, especially when it comes to talent on the Ohio State roster. And when the topic of defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. comes up, both stars share a clear and emphatic belief: Jackson isn’t just good — he’s first-round NFL Draft material.
At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, Jackson has always looked the part. But in summer workouts leading into the 2025 season, he’s begun to dominate in a way that’s turning heads not just in Columbus, but across NFL scouting circles. His explosion off the edge, fluid hips, and relentless motor have turned practice reps into must-watch events. According to Smith, arguably the top wide receiver in college football, going up against Jackson in practice “feels like being chased by a freight train.”
“His get-off is insane,” Smith said after a recent practice. “He’s not just fast — he’s smart. He sets you up, waits for your step, and then bam — he’s in the backfield. I’ve seen him make our best tackles look like high school kids.”
Sonny Styles, the versatile safety-linebacker hybrid who might hear his own name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft, echoed the sentiment. “He’s got that rare blend of size, twitch, and IQ,” Styles said. “It’s not just what he does physically. He studies tape like a quarterback. He calls out plays before the snap sometimes. That’s scary.”
With J.T. Tuimoloau off to the NFL and Jack Sawyer now anchoring the other side of the line, Jackson has stepped into the spotlight. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson, a legend in his own right, has reportedly told NFL scouts that Jackson reminds him of a young Chandler Jones — powerful, technical, and disruptive at all levels.
While the defense sharpens its blade, the Buckeyes’ offense is making its own adjustments — including one that’s flown a bit under the radar. Caleb Downs, the All-American safety transfer from Alabama, had been toying with the idea of playing some snaps at running back or wide receiver — a nod to his freakish athleticism and high school résumé. But that idea has now been shelved.
“I’m locked in on defense,” Downs said. “I want to be the best safety in the country, and that means giving 100% to my role. We’ve got weapons on offense. My job is to stop them.”
The move likely came with a nudge from defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who envisions Downs as the final piece in a title-contending defense — a back-end enforcer with the instincts of Ed Reed and the range of Earl Thomas. With Styles roaming the box, Jackson destroying the pocket, and Downs patrolling deep, Ohio State’s defense could be the best in the nation.
And if Jackson keeps doing what he’s doing? Come April, don’t be surprised to hear his name echoing through the halls of the NFL Draft — perhaps even in the top 15.
