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 tall and weighing around 245 pounds, he plays a physical brand of defense built on speed, length, and pursuit. He played college football for the Washington State Cougars before entering the professional ranks in 2024.
Jackson earned recognition as one of the top defenders in the Pac-12 Conference during his final college seasons and was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His professional journey has already included a stint with the Los Angeles Rams and a swift move to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, where he continues his NFL career.
Early Life and Background
Brennan Jackson was born on October 14, 2000, in Montgomery, Ohio. He grew up in the United States and developed an early interest in athletics, eventually focusing on football as his primary sport. His size and athleticism made him a natural fit for the defensive side of the ball from a young age.
Jackson attended Great Oak High School in Temecula, California, where he played both offense and defense for the football team. On offense, he caught 12 passes for 193 yards, showing his receiving skills. On defense, he recorded 150 tackles, including 21 tackles for loss, six sacks, two pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles, establishing himself as a dominant defensive prospect.
After high school, Jackson chose to play college football at Washington State over other programs including Arizona, California, and Hawaii. His commitment marked the beginning of a college career that would elevate his profile as a defender at the Football Bowl Subdivision level.
Path to American Football
Jackson’s path to professional football began with his recruitment to Washington State, where he joined a defensive unit looking for playmakers. He arrived as a freshman in 2019 and immediately began learning the physical demands of Pac-12 competition. His development was steady, and he gradually expanded his role within the Cougars’ defensive scheme.
Over the course of his college career, Jackson transformed from a rotational player into a cornerstone of the Washington State defense. By his junior and senior seasons, he was earning weekly conference recognition and posting the kind of production that drew the attention of NFL scouts. His combination of size, pursuit, and versatility positioned him as a draft-worthy prospect.
The transition from college to the professional level came in 2024 when Jackson declared for the NFL Draft. His body of work at Washington State, including multiple All-Pac-12 honors, gave him a clear pathway to the league.
Brennan Jackson Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
As a freshman in 2019, Jackson appeared in a limited role for the Washington State Cougars and recorded one tackle along with half a tackle for loss. The 2020 season saw him take on a larger role, highlighted by a season-opening performance in which he posted seven tackles and half a sack in a 38–28 win over Oregon State. He finished the 2020 season with 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
The 2021 season marked a major step forward for Jackson. In week five of that season, he had a career performance with four tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection, helping Washington State beat California 21–6. He was named the Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week, becoming the first Washington State player to earn the award. The following week, he recorded his first career interception off a tipped pass, helping the Cougars defeat Oregon State 31–24. He closed the season with 43 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
Washington State Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Jackson’s 2022 season cemented his status as one of the conference’s top defenders. In week eleven, he posted five tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble against Arizona State, helping Washington State win 28–18 and become bowl eligible. He once again earned Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for the performance. He finished the 2022 season with 41 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble, earning second-team All-Pac-12 recognition.
Heading into the 2023 season, Jackson was named second-team All-Pac-12 for the second consecutive year. He was also placed on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, an award given to the nation’s best defensive player. These honors reinforced his standing as an elite defender and helped position him as a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2025–Present)
Jackson was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round, 154th overall, of the 2024 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season with the Rams organization before being waived on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts.
The very next day, on August 27, 2025, Jackson was claimed off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders. His quick pickup reflected continued interest in his defensive upside. As he begins his tenure with the Raiders, Jackson looks to carve out a role within the team’s defensive rotation and build on the foundation established in college and his first professional season.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Jackson’s career came during the 2021 season at Washington State, when he became the first Cougars player to be named Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week. He repeated the honor in 2022, joining a select group of conference standouts. His selection in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft marked the official beginning of his professional career, and his rapid transition to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025 demonstrated that teams across the league continued to view him as a defender with significant potential.
Brennan Jackson Career Wins
Brennan Jackson’s career accomplishments reflect steady progression at every level. While individual game statistics are most commonly tracked in football, his impact is best measured through conference recognition and consistent production as a defender.
Washington State Highlights
During his time with the Washington State Cougars, Jackson earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors in both 2022 and 2023, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the conference. He was a two-time Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week and finished his college career with multiple seasons of strong tackle and sack totals.
Other Wins and Performances
Jackson’s other notable performances include his freshman debut season in 2019 and his continued growth through the 2020 and 2021 seasons, where he posted career highs in tackles, sacks, and interceptions. His inclusion on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list in 2023 served as further confirmation of his standing among the nation’s elite defenders.
Brennan Jackson Family
Personal Life
Public details about Brennan Jackson’s personal and family life are limited. He was born and raised in the United States and pursued his education and athletic career in Ohio and later California. Beyond his professional profile, Jackson maintains a presence on social media, where fans can follow his ongoing career updates.
2025 Season Performance
Brennan Jackson’s 2025 season storyline began with a significant transition. After spending his rookie year with the Los Angeles Rams, he was waived during final roster cuts on August 26, 2025. Less than 24 hours later, on August 27, 2025, he was claimed off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders, giving him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
As Jackson joins the Raiders’ defensive unit, he brings the same traits that defined his college career: physicality, pursuit, and versatility along the defensive front. His quick adjustment to a new system will be key as he works to establish himself within the Raiders’ rotation and contribute to the team’s overall defensive performance.
Looking ahead, Jackson’s long-term outlook in Las Vegas will depend on his ability to translate his college production into consistent professional results. With multiple seasons of conference-level recognition behind him, he has the foundation to grow into a reliable contributor for the Raiders.