EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have made their first draft pick of 2025.

Minnesota stayed pat at its original No. 24 slot and selected Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson, who last season helped the Buckeyes win the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Jackson was a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten Conference earner with Ohio State and played in 55 games with 40 starts.

Over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Jackson started 26 straight games at left guard. He started there for the first five games of the 2024 campaign, then moved outside to left tackle for the remainder of the season in place of an injured Josh Simmons.

Jackson was part of an Ohio State offense that ranked No. 7 nationally in fewest TFLs allowed per game (3.75) and 10^th in fewest sacks allowed per game with just 1.0.

"Minnesota continues to invest in this offensive line," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said following the Vikings selection. "He can mow people, he can knock people off the ball. Just an outstanding temperament and motor; I love that about him."

Here are five things to know about the new Vikings offensive lineman:

1. Accolades at LT

Though tackle wasn't Jackson's usual position at Ohio State, he helped anchor the line through another major injury to an OL starter — Rimington Trophy winner and All-American Seth McLaughlin — and to the CFB title.

Jackson was named a First-Team All-American by The Sporting News, USA Today and Sports Illustrated.

2. Student athlete

Jackson shined not only athletically but also academically throughout his collegiate career.

During his time at Ohio State, he was named a Rose Bowl game Scholar-Athlete, First-Team College Sports Communicators Academic All-American, OSU Scholar-Athlete, Academic All-Big Ten, Dan S. Petty/Cotton Bowl Scholar-Athlete and Big Ten Conference Distinguished Scholar.

Jackson graduated in December 2024 with his sports industry degree.

3. Champ at all levels

A Texas native, Jackson started as a freshman for Houston Christian High School, playing left tackle, before transferring to Episcopal High School for his final three seasons.

Jackson garnered ample attention at Episcopal and was labeled a five-star recruit; he committed to Ohio State over offers from other major programs that included Georgia, Stanford and Texas.

In 2020, Jackson helped Episcopal win the Southwest Preparatory Conference Championship.

4. Football and family

Jackson has often thanked his parents, Melanie and Todd, and sister, Rachel, for their support throughout his football journey.

In a 2019 Instagram post, he captioned a heartwarming photo at Episcopal's football stadium, "It takes a village."

5. Three Buckeyes at 24

The Vikings have drafted a player 24^th overall three different times in franchise history … and on all three occasions selected a Buckeye.

Minnesota tabbed running back Leo Hayden in 1971 and in 1995 drafted tackle Korey Stringer.