TALLAHASSEE – Florida State redshirt senior defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. is on the Bednarik Award Watch List. Jackson was named to the preseason All-ACC team last month.
 
After an All-ACC honorable mention season in 2024, Jackson returns to spearhead the Seminoles’ defensive line under new position coach Terrance Knighton. Jackson started all 12 games in 2024, recording 32 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. The Havana, Florida, native had a season-high five tackles against North Carolina, one week after setting career-highs with 2.0 sacks, 2.0 tackles for loss and one forced fumble against No. 6 Miami.
 
For his career, Jackson has appeared in 38 games with 84 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
 
Jackson and the Seminoles open the 2025 season in the renovated Doak Campbell Stadium on August 30 at 3:30 p.m. against Alabama. The contest will air nationally on ABC.
 
Preseason Award Watch Lists
Maxwell Award – Tommy Castellanos
Wuerffel Trophy – Richie Leonard IV
Mannelly Award – Mason Arnold
Doak Walker Award – Gavin Sawchuk
Rimington Trophy – Luke Petitbon
Mackey Award – Randy Pittman Jr. and Landen Thomas
Bednarik Award – Darrell Jackson Jr.