Jackson Carman Bio
Jackson Carman is an American professional football offensive tackle and guard who currently plays for the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League. Born on January 22, 2000, in Fairfield, Ohio, Carman played college football for the Clemson Tigers and helped the team capture the 2018 National Championship as a true freshman. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 46th overall pick. After three seasons with the Bengals, Carman spent time with the Miami Dolphins organization before joining the UFL in 2026.
Early Life and Background
Jackson Carman grew up in Fairfield, Ohio, where he attended Fairfield High School. During his high school career, he developed into one of the most highly regarded offensive line prospects in the country. Carman was rated as a five-star recruit and was recognized as the best collegiate prospect in Ohio by major recruiting services including 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals.
His exceptional performance on the field attracted attention from numerous major college programs. Carman ultimately chose to continue his football career at Clemson University over other prominent offers from schools such as Ohio State and the University of Southern California. His decision to join the Clemson Tigers set the stage for his development into a professional athlete.
Path to American Football
Upon arriving at Clemson University in 2018, Carman immediately contributed to the Tigers’ football program. He played in 13 games during his true freshman season, logging 209 total snaps as the team pursued the national championship. His contributions helped Clemson win the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, marking his first major collegiate achievement.
As a sophomore, Carman earned the starting left tackle position and started all 15 games for the Tigers. His strong performance that season earned him third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. Going into his junior year, Carman was recognized for his elite play and placed on the Outland Trophy watchlist, which honors the best interior lineman in college football.
Carman continued his development during his junior season in 2020. He started all 12 games and improved his standing in the conference by earning second-team All-ACC recognition. Following the conclusion of his junior season, Carman announced on January 6, 2021, that he would forgo his senior year of college eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.
Jackson Carman Career
Cincinnati Bengals (2021–2023)
Jackson Carman was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the team on May 18, 2021. Although third-year veteran Jonah Williams remained the Bengals’ starting left tackle, the team found a role for Carman at right guard during his rookie season. He appeared in all 17 regular-season games, starting six of them, and played in all four of Cincinnati’s playoff games during their run to Super Bowl LVI.
The 2022 season presented new challenges for Carman. The Bengals signed free agent guard Alex Cappa and drafted guard Cordell Volson in the fourth round. Cappa was immediately installed as the starting right guard, while Volson beat out Carman for the starting left guard position, leaving Carman on the bench for much of the season. However, when injuries depleted the offensive line late in the season, Carman was called upon to replace Williams at left tackle for the second half of the Wild Card Round playoff win against the Baltimore Ravens. In the highly anticipated Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Carman and the patchwork offensive line delivered a strong performance, generating 172 team rushing yards and allowing just one quarterback sack in a 27–10 victory.
The 2023 season saw Carman begin the year as the backup right tackle behind Williams once again. He did not start a single game and only played snaps in two games throughout the entire season. During the Bengals’ first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carman struggled with discipline issues, picking up three holding penalties along with one false start penalty in a 17–14 loss. He was waived by the Bengals on August 23, 2024.
Miami Dolphins (2024–2025)
Following his release from Cincinnati, Carman signed with the Miami Dolphins practice squad on September 17, 2024. He demonstrated enough progress during his time on the practice squad to earn a promotion to the active roster on December 4, 2024. On May 12, 2025, Carman re-signed with the Dolphins. However, he was released on August 26 as part of the team’s final roster cuts heading into the 2025 regular season.
United Football League (2026)
Carman joined the United Football League in 2026, signing with the Birmingham Stallions on January 14. He was released by the Stallions on April 14, 2026, but was claimed off waivers by the Houston Gamblers the same day. He currently plays guard for the Houston Gamblers.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 5 inches and 317 pounds, Jackson Carman possesses the size and length typical of NFL-caliber offensive tackles. His versatility has allowed him to play both tackle and guard positions at the professional level. Carman’s experience at left tackle during his college career at Clemson, combined with his ability to slide inside to guard, gives him positional flexibility that coaches value. His experience playing in big games, including playoff performances against formidable opponents, demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure.
Notable Events and Milestones
Carman’s career highlights include winning a national championship with Clemson in 2018 as a true freshman, being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft, and contributing to the Bengals’ playoff run to Super Bowl LVI during his rookie season. His performance in the 2022 Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, where he helped anchor the offensive line in a commanding victory, stands as one of the most notable moments of his professional career.
Jackson Carman Career Statistics
Jackson Carman appeared in 30 NFL games over three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, starting 7 of those contests. His rookie season featured the most extensive playing time, with six starts at right guard followed by playoff appearances. His professional career has been marked by position changes and competition for starting roles, ultimately leading him to pursue opportunities in the United Football League.
Jackson Carman College Achievements
During his three seasons at Clemson University, Carman established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He was named second-team All-ACC following his sophomore season in 2019 and elevated his play to earn first-team All-ACC honors as a junior in 2020. His contributions were integral to Clemson’s success during his tenure, including their 2018 National Championship run where he played meaningful snaps as a true freshman.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Jackson Carman with the Miami Dolphins organization. After signing with the Dolphins practice squad in September 2024 and earning a promotion to the active roster in December, Carman re-signed with the team in May 2025 seeking to establish himself as a consistent contributor. The Dolphins ultimately decided to release him in late August during final roster cuts, determining that other players on their roster better fit their plans for the upcoming season. Following his release, Carman pursued opportunities in the United Football League, joining the Birmingham Stallions in January 2026 before being claimed by the Houston Gamblers.