FSU starting defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. has declared for the 2026 NFL draft, announcing the news Thursday afternoon on Instagram. He took the time to explain how much it meant to play for the Seminoles.
“To the Seminole Family,
When I think back on my playing days at Florida State, I’m reminded of more than practices, games, and stadium lights. I’m reminded of a place that shaped me, challenged me, and pushed me to grow in ways I never could’ve imagined.
Walking into that locker room for the first time, seeing that garnet and gold hanging in front of me it was more than a jersey. It was a responsibility. Every morning workout, every rep in the weight room, every sprint in the heat was bigger than me. It was about honoring the standard of those who came before and proving that I deserved to be counted among them.
At FSU, you don’t just learn football. You learn discipline. You learn how to fight through the days when your body wants to quit. You learn how to trust the man next to you. You learn how to carry yourself when nobody’s watching. You learn that greatness doesn’t show up on game day unless you’ve earned it Monday through Friday.
Some of my best memories aren’t even from the field. They’re from the brotherhood the laughs, the long nights of film study, the moments when we picked each other up during tough times. Those bonds don’t fade. They become part of who you are forever.
Running out of that tunnel, hearing the crowd roar, hearing the war chant shake the whole stadium there’s no feeling like it. It makes every sacrifice worth it. It reminds you that you’re part of something powerful, something with history, tradition, and pride.
FSU made me tougher. It made me wiser. It made me a better man. And even though my playing days there are behind me, the lessons, the memories, and the pride of being a Seminole will stay with me for lite.
To every fan, coach, teammate, and supporter thank you for being part of my journey. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for making Tallahassee a place I will always call home.
Forever Garnet and Gold,
Darrell Jackson Jr.”
Jackson spent the past three seasons with the Seminoles, sitting out in 2023 after transferring in from the Miami Hurricanes. He played his first game for FSU in the Orange Bowl following the 2023 season.
He started all 25 games he was eligible for, recording 80 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He made the All-ACC Honorable Mention team after both seasons.
The 6-foot-6, 337-pounder is at his best against the run and has the measurables that NFL teams will covet along the defensive line. His PFF run defense grade of 84.1 is the third highest in the country among defensive linemen who played at least 200 snaps against the run.
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