Under Armour Alumnus Kenyatta Jackson Jr. Scouted for 2027 NFL Draft

As college football programs prepare for the upcoming season, analysts are beginning to turn their attention toward the talent pool for the 2027 NFL Draft. One prospect generating early interest is edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr. of Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 265 pounds, Jackson enters the 2026 season with a pedigree that includes being named Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year and a former Under Armour All-American.

Jackson’s background connects him to Under Armour, Inc., the apparel manufacturer currently trading with a market capitalization of approximately $3.09 billion. The company, known for performance gear and footwear, maintains a visible presence in high school football through its All-American game, a platform that helped showcase Jackson’s abilities before he arrived at Columbus.

From a production standpoint, Jackson has compiled 74 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks heading into the 2026 campaign. Advanced metrics highlight his ability to disrupt opposing backfields, with 51 quarterback hurries and a pass rush win rate of 23.5%. While sack numbers are a primary metric for edge defenders, his profile suggests strength in run defense and consistent pressure rather than pure speed rushing.

Scouting reports indicate that Jackson projects as a “throwback” style player who fits well in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Analysts point to his ideal size, functional strength, and tackling technique as core strengths. He lines up primarily on the right edge and is noted for his ability to set the edge against the run and knock blockers backward with power.

What to watch

• Jackson’s senior season production at Ohio State.
• Under Armour’s quarterly financial performance regarding its footwear and apparel segments.

Source: original release