Few rivalries in college football run deeper than the one between Michigan and Ohio State. The 2024 edition of “The Game” was a prime example of this. An unranked Michigan squad stunned the No. 2 Buckeyes 13–10 in Columbus, their fourth straight win in the series. The aftermath turned chaotic when Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag at midfield, sparking a heated scuffle that required police intervention. So, when the Minnesota Vikings drafted Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson, it meant one strange thing for fans of both programs to fathom: a Buckeye protecting a Wolverine.

Now, this isn’t the first time Ohio and Michigan players have found themselves on the same team. Only last year, the Cleveland Browns drafted DT Mike Hall, formerly of OSU, and Michigan offensive guard Zak Zinter in the draft. College football rivalries do spill into the NFL, albeit in a more friendly way, but given Michigan’s recent stranglehold on the rivalry, is there a chance of more serious consequences?

The Vikings brought in offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, a national champion, as a trench-rebuilding pick in response to the franchise-shifting selection of Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy. It just so happens that J.J.’s college football arch-enemy is his pocket protector. Through the NFL war rooms, you can practically hear the Big Ten fan base’s collective gasp. But the Vikings GM isn’t worried.

The Vikings posted a video on X of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talking about the scenario. On drafting Jackson, Mensah was asked if they discussed that he would be blocking for a former Wolverine, the GM replied, “We did not. We did not talk about that. I had some really close friends from Columbus, Ohio, growing up. So, I had an affinity back in the day. We shared some stuff about that. But again, those are two great programs…J.J. loves a good pocket. J.J. loves the run game. So, I think J.J. will love Donovan just fine.”

The tension is genuine. The 121st meeting of The Game will take place this year. Michigan is still referred to as ‘the team up north’ by Ohio State fans. Every time Michigan fans run up the score, they can still hear Woody Hayes rolling in his grave. If Ryan Day loses to Michigan once more, he could actually lose his job. But that is college. The NFL? It’s a different beast.

The Vikings are building a red zone chessboard while selecting players. Jackson’s not just a guard. He is the last pillar of an offensive wall that has been rebuilt to allow McCarthy the time, room, and self-assurance he needs to thrive. When everyone thought the Vikings would panic, they waited. They didn’t make it to the top five right away. McCarthy was selected at No. 10 last season after they remained patient and moved up just one spot. Calculated and surgical. Now enter Jackson at No. 24—another foundational piece for what they believe is a decade-long QB investment.

And now the Viking roster? Almost cinematic. JJ McCarthy, the flawless example of Harbaugh’s Michigan machine, 27-1 as a starter, national champion, and a born leader. Donovan Jackson? 40 college starts. Championship pedigree. Versatile left guard who can tackle. Someone who shielded Devin Brown and Kyle McCord on the biggest college football stages.

He made his mark as a standout left guard for the Buckeyes in 2022 and 2023, but when an injury sidelined Ohio State’s starting left tackle last season, he shifted outside—and didn’t miss a beat. Thriving in his new role, he became a key piece of the offensive line and helped power the Buckeyes to a national championship. Now, he has to defend the quarterback he was brought up to defeat.

Jackson opens up on Vikings move

During his top-30 visit with the Vikings, Donovan Jackson left more than just a good impression—he left a lasting one. It wasn’t just his tape that won them over, but the poise and character behind it. What truly caught their eye was his willingness to put the team first, stepping into the unfamiliar territory of left tackle when injury struck the starter.

“Just love everything about his play style, his size. He’s got length, he’s got power,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “And then the little things that sometimes jump out at you about a player. Willingness to just jump over to the left tackle spot and the very next week he’s blocking the third pick in tonight’s draft [Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter] and competing his tail off. And didn’t necessarily need to do that in a year where he was going to be drafted and evaluated the way he was. So a lot of things that we’re very excited about.” Jackson is also excited about the next chapter in his career.

“I can’t wait to get to work with new teammates, new coaches, and do whatever I can to help this team grow,” Jackson said in a post-draft video call with local media.

The Vikings will love nothing more than to see the OSU-Michigan connection coming through for them next season and that their rivalry stays behind in college.