The Football Brainiacs

Noteworthy Numbers

1976-1978 – Greg Roberts

Player Profile

Position: Defensive Lineman

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 310

Class: Junior

Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind.

Previous School: IMG Academy [Fla.]

The Path to Norman

Jayden Jackson was a highly-touted defensive lineman in the 2024 OU recruiting class. Jackson was defensive MVP for Florida’s IMG Academy his senior year of high school football, where he was teammates with fellow 2024 recruit David Stone. Jayden had offers from just about every top program in the country, with a final five including Texas, Florida, Ohio State, Miami, and the Sooners. The OU offer, which came in the spring of 2023, came relatively late in Jackson’s recruiting cycle. However, a summer official visit made a big impression and was enough to land the young man’s commitment a few short weeks later.

Career so Far

Jackson came into a defensive line room that appeared stacked for 2024, with expectations that he would be easing into the game. However, as the offseason wore on, talk of big things to come grew for the lineman. He was named a starter for week one against Temple, the first OU true freshman to start a season opener on the defensive line since Tommie Harris (2001). Jackson played in all 13 games, earning 10 starts at defensive tackle. He was named an FWAA and ESPN Freshman All-American, along with Freshman All-SEC Team.

In 2025, Jackson was yet again a key part of the OU defense. He was banged up on and off, but still made his impact felt on the line.

Stats

Years: 2025 | 2024 | Career

Games Played: 12 | 13 | 25

Tackles: 28 | 30 | 58

TFL: 5 | 3 | 8

Sacks: 3 | 2 | 5

Stats via Soonersports.com

This Season

Jackson was out this spring to ensure he’s fully healthy this fall. He and David Stone will be the clear leaders at defensive tackle, where OU will be as good as anyone in the country. Those two have a chance for a special season this fall as they lock up the interior.