Brennan Jackson Bio
Brennan Jackson (born October 14, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 263 pounds, Jackson was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 154th overall pick. He played college football for the Washington State Cougars from 2018 to 2023, where he developed into one of the Pac-12 Conference’s most dominant defensive linemen. Jackson was claimed off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders in August 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his professional career.
Throughout his collegiate career at Washington State, Jackson established himself as a consistent performer and disruptive force along the defensive line. His versatility allowed him to contribute in multiple ways, recording tackles for loss, sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles. Jackson earned Second-team All-Pac-12 honors in both 2022 and 2023, cementing his status as one of the top defensive players in the conference during his senior season.
Early Life and Background
Brennan Jackson was born on October 14, 2000, in Montgomery, Ohio. He attended Great Oak High School in Temecula, California, where he became a two-way player on the football team. On offense, Jackson showcased his athleticism by catching 12 passes for 193 yards. On defense, he proved to be a relentless presence, recording 150 tackles with 21 going for a loss, six sacks, two pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles during his high school career.
Jackson’s standout performance in high school attracted attention from multiple major college programs. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at Washington State, selecting the Cougars over offers from schools including Arizona, California, and Hawaii. His decision to attend Washington State set the foundation for his development as a collegiate athlete and eventual NFL professional.
Path to American Football
Jackson arrived at Washington State University in 2018 and immediately began his collegiate career. As a true freshman in 2019, he recorded one tackle and half a tackle for loss in limited playing time. The 2020 season marked a significant leap in his development, as he appeared in the season opener against Oregon State and posted seven tackles with half a sack in a 38-28 victory. Jackson finished the 2020 campaign with 19 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
The 2021 season saw Jackson emerge as a consistent starter along Washington’s defensive line. He accumulated 43 tackles with 6.5 going for losses, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery. His first career interception came during a victory over Oregon State when he picked off a tipped ball thrown by Chance Nolan. Jackson continued to display his playmaking ability with a game-winning fumble recovery against Stanford that secured a 34-31 win for the Cougars.
The 2022 season represented Jackson’s breakthrough campaign. In week five, he delivered a career-best performance against California with four tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection, earning Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. He became the first Washington State player to receive that award. Jackson maintained his high level of play throughout the season, finishing with 41 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks, and three pass deflections, which earned him Second-team All-Pac-12 recognition. He carried this momentum into 2023, earning Second-team All-Pac-12 honors again and being named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, awarded to the nation’s top defensive player.
Brennan Jackson Career
Los Angeles Rams (2024)
Brennan Jackson entered the 2024 NFL Draft as a relatively late-blooming prospect despite his productive college career. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical refinement caught the attention of NFL scouts. The Los Angeles Rams selected Jackson in the fifth round with the 154th overall pick, adding him to their roster as a developmental linebacker with the versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive front.
Jackson spent the 2024 season with the Rams, learning the professional game’s speed and schemes while contributing on special teams and in limited defensive roles. His rookie season provided valuable experience as he adjusted to the increased physicality and tactical complexity of NFL competition. The Rams coaching staff worked with Jackson on refining his technique and understanding of their defensive system.
Las Vegas Raiders (2025-Present)
On August 26, 2025, Jackson was waived by the Rams as part of final roster cuts. Less than 24 hours later, on August 27, 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders claimed Jackson off waivers, acquiring his services for their roster. The quick turnaround demonstrated that multiple NFL teams valued Jackson’s potential and wanted to secure his talents following his release.
Jackson joined a Raiders defense looking to build depth along the linebacker position. His collegiate versatility and production provided a foundation for contributing immediately in Las Vegas. The Raiders coaching staff planned to evaluate Jackson’s skills and determine his best fit within their defensive scheme as the 2025 season progressed.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jackson’s game translates well to the professional level due to his combination of size and explosiveness. His 6-foot-4 frame allows him to engage with larger offensive linemen while his quick first step enables him to penetration backfields and disrupt plays before they develop. Jackson demonstrated the ability to win from multiple alignments, whether lined up as a traditional defensive end, a three-technique tackle, or standing up as a linebacker. His instincts improved significantly during his senior year at Washington State, allowing him to read plays and react accordingly rather than simply reacting to blocks.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jackson’s college career included several memorable performances, with his 2022 Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week awards standing out as significant individual accomplishments. Becoming the first Washington State player to earn that specific weekly recognition highlighted his impact on the program. His game-sealing plays, including the fumble recovery against Stanford in 2022, demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure in crucial moments. Being named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list placed him among the nation’s elite defensive players and validated his development trajectory heading into the NFL.
Brennan Jackson Career Achievements
Throughout his time at Washington State and into his early NFL career, Jackson accumulated notable accomplishments that reflect his consistent production and impact at each level. His collegiate honors established him as one of the more decorated defensive players to come from Washington State in recent years.
College Highlights
Jackson earned Second-team All-Pac-12 honors in both 2022 and 2023, making him one of only a few Washington State players to achieve back-to-back all-conference recognition in consecutive seasons during that span. His 2022 campaign was particularly impressive, as he recorded 12 tackles for loss and six sacks while also forcing a fumble and deflecting three passes. Jackson’s 21 career tackles for loss and 12 career sacks demonstrated his ability to be a consistent disruptive presence. His inclusion on the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list placed him in consideration for the award given to the nation’s top defensive player.
Professional Career Statistics
Through his initial NFL seasons, Jackson has contributed on defense and special teams. As of the 2025 season, he has recorded six total tackles and one pass deflection across his NFL career with the Rams and Raiders. These early statistics represent a starting point as he continues to develop and seek increased playing time within the Raiders’ defensive rotation.
| Level | Season | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College | 2019-2023 | 104 | 21 | 12 | 2 |
| NFL | 2024-2025 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Family
Personal Life
Jackson’s personal life beyond football has remained relatively private. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where he engages with fans and shares updates about his football career. Jackson’s journey from Ohio to California for high school and then to Washington State for college before being drafted to the NFL demonstrates his willingness to relocate in pursuit of his athletic goals.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a significant transition for Jackson as he enters his second NFL campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders organization. Claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams in late August, Jackson immediately joined the Raiders’ roster and began learning their defensive playbook. The Raiders coaching staff evaluated his skill set during training camp and the preseason to determine how his talents could best be utilized within their system. Jackson’s versatility along the defensive front provides the Raiders with options, as he can align in multiple positions depending on specific game plans and matchups.
Jackson’s early contributions with the Raiders have come primarily on special teams while he continues to develop as a situational defender. His collegiate production suggests he has the potential to become a more significant contributor on defense as he gains comfort with the professional game speed. The Raiders’ defensive scheme emphasizes disrupting opposing quarterbacks and creating turnovers, areas where Jackson’s college success provides a foundation for impact. As the 2025 season progresses, Jackson aims to earn additional defensive snaps and demonstrate the playmaking ability that made him a productive college player.