‘Going to be an absolute monster’ – Ohio State star makes bold proclamation on a player that he thinks is going to breakout in 2025
The Ohio State Buckeyes have three players and head coach Ryan Day representing the program in Las Vegas, Nevada for Big Ten Football Media Days. Ohio State is turning the page to a new season, with last year’s National Championship now in the rearview mirror. After having 14 players drafted from that team, the Buckeyes […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes have three players and head coach Ryan Day representing the program in Las Vegas, Nevada for Big Ten Football Media Days.
Ohio State is turning the page to a new season, with last year’s National Championship now in the rearview mirror. After having 14 players drafted from that team, the Buckeyes will need several new faces to step into major roles.
One of the biggest areas of transition is along the defensive line, where Ohio State is replacing all four starters. Despite the turnover, one team leader believes they’re in good hands.
Another first-round pass rusher coming out of Ohio State?
Linebacker Sonny Styles had high praise for teammate Kenyatta Jackson, who is expected to step into a starting role now that Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau have moved on to the NFL.
“Kenyatta Jackson is going to be an absolute monster,” Styles said Tuesday, via 10TV’s Adam King. “I think he’s going to be one of the best defensive ends in the country. He has the abilities—about 6-5, 6-6, gets like 265. We think a first-round defensive end. That’s what it looks like, and he plays that way as well.
I think he made a huge jump in his mindset. Dude is a great leader now, he’s doing a great job and I’m really excited for him.”
Jackson, a former four-star recruit from Florida, has recorded 1.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons. He saw his most significant playing time last year, finishing with 16 tackles in 16 games. Now entering the season as a starter, the 6-foot-6, 258-pound edge rusher has a big opportunity to impress NFL scouts and evaluators.
Jackson, along with Caden Curry and North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson, is expected to be one of Ohio State’s top three pass rushers in 2025.
Waiting his turn may pay off in a big way for Jackson, as the Buckeyes look to replace the production that left for the NFL. It appears Larry Johnson’s unit is in good hands heading into the season—which is critical with Texas and quarterback Arch Manning set to visit Columbus on Aug. 30.
