Breaking: Buffalo Bills DE Landon Jackson Impresses in NFL Debut After Dominating at Arkansas

In a highly anticipated moment for Razorbacks fans and NFL observers alike, former Arkansas standout Landon Jackson made his first appearance in a Buffalo Bills uniform — and he didn’t disappoint. The explosive defensive end, who rose to prominence as a dominant force in the SEC, brought that same energy and relentlessness to the pro level in his debut, immediately making his presence felt.

After months of speculation surrounding his transition from college to the NFL, Jackson’s debut showcased the same traits that made him a household name in Fayetteville: explosiveness off the edge, a high motor, and unteachable length. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound rookie logged significant snaps during the Bills’ preseason opener, and though it was his first taste of pro-level action, he looked anything but inexperienced.

Jackson’s rise has been nothing short of dramatic. Once a heralded recruit out of Texas, he began his college career at LSU before transferring to Arkansas, where his game took flight. In his final year with the Razorbacks, Jackson posted 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks — numbers that not only led the team but captured national attention. He was the heart of Arkansas’ defensive front and often drew double-teams that created opportunities for others.

Scouts loved his size and burst off the snap, but some wondered how quickly he could adapt to NFL speed. Based on Saturday’s performance, Jackson may be answering those questions sooner than expected.

Landon Jackson saw the field early and often during Buffalo’s opening exhibition, rotating in with the first and second-team defenses. His impact was felt quickly: on his third defensive snap, Jackson disrupted a run play by beating his man off the edge and forcing the ball carrier inside, where teammates cleaned up the tackle. A few plays later, he flushed the quarterback out of the pocket on a third-and-long, drawing praise from the Bills’ sideline.

While he didn’t record a sack, his pressure numbers told the story. Jackson recorded two quarterback hurries, a tackle for loss, and one batted pass at the line of scrimmage. His ability to leverage his long arms and create havoc was on full display — a sight that Arkansas fans know all too well.

I just wanted to go out and show what I’ve been working on,” Jackson said in the postgame press conference. “This is just the beginning for me. I know I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m excited about the direction I’m heading.”

Veterans within the Bills’ organization have already taken notice. Star defensive tackle Ed Oliver mentioned Jackson by name when discussing the rookies after the game, saying, “Landon’s got the tools. He listens, he learns, and he goes hard every play. That’s all you can ask from a young guy.”

Head coach Sean McDermott echoed that sentiment, praising Jackson’s effort and discipline. “You can see the flashes of what he can become,” McDermott noted. “It’s about continuing to build that consistency, but we’re excited about what we saw from him tonight.”

The Bills selected Jackson in the third round of this year’s draft, viewing him as a long-term piece for their defensive line. With aging veterans and an eye on maintaining one of the league’s top defenses, Buffalo is looking for young blood to step in and contribute — and Jackson seems poised to answer that call.

For Razorbacks fans, seeing Jackson perform on the NFL stage is both a point of pride and a reminder of what he meant to their program. During his time at Arkansas, Jackson became a fan favorite not just because of his play, but because of his leadership and intensity. He was the anchor of the defense, the voice in the huddle, and the one who never took a play off.

If Jackson continues to progress at this pace, it’s not far-fetched to see him earning a regular role in the Bills’ pass-rush rotation — or even pushing for a starting job by midseason. His length and speed set him apart, and if he can continue to develop his technique under Buffalo’s coaching staff, the sky is the limit.