Breaking News: DT Darrell Jackson returns to Florida State

Jackson spurns NFL Draft for one more season with the Garnet and Gold.

In a stunning reversal, defensive tackle Darrell Jackson has withdrawn from NFL Draft consideration and will return to Florida State for his final year of collegiate eligibility.

2024: 32 Tackles, 4 TFL, 3.5 Sacks, 1PD, 1 FF

Jackson returning immediately raises the floor and ceiling of the 2025 defense, and makes getting someone like UCF DT Lee Hunter a little less of a desperation move. Jackson has a chance to be an elite DL in Tony Whites 3-3-5.

Jackson struggled at times last season, but also managed to be graded as FSU’s top defensive tackle by PFF with a 71.1 grade. He turned in particularly dominant outings against North Carolina, Miami, and Duke.

The NIL era has allowed players to come back to school to improve their draft stock while getting compensated in the process. Jackson is the latest example of this hypothesis.

I also believe playing under Coach Pot Roast will only help Jackson reach his full potential. Jackson getting to learn from a nine-year NFL veteran is an opportunity most players will never receive.

Congrats to the defensive coaching staff for this awesome retention victory!