From the fields of Lakota West to the brightest stage in football, this weekend became a defining chapter in Firebirds history.

By Darren Walters
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Updated: April 28, 2026

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Jackson Kuwatch’s journey is the kind every young athlete dreams about — built on hard work, resilience, and relentless belief. A Lakota West graduate who went from Ohio State to Miami (Ohio), Kuwatch turned determination into destiny when the Carolina Panthers selected him in the 7th round with the 227th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After a breakout senior season with 109 tackles, Jackson proved that grit can take you from West Chester to the NFL stage.

Jackson Kuwatch college career at a glance:

Ohio State (2021–2022): Redshirted in 2021, saw limited reserve action in 2022 (3 games), then entered the transfer portal.
Miami (OH) RedHawks (2023): Played in 10 games, recorded 5 tackles (including 1 tackle for loss).
Miami (OH) RedHawks (2024): Added 9 tackles in a reserve role.
Miami (OH) RedHawks (2025 breakout season):
- 109 total tackles
- 10 tackles for loss
- 5 sacks
- 14 starts / 14 games
- Named Third-Team All-MAC

Miami career total: 123 tackles+ across 3 seasons, highlighted by a dominant senior year that launched him to the 2026 NFL Draft.

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Headin’ down to Carolina ✈️
Congratulations to Jackson Kuwatch on being selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 7th round of the NFL Draft‼️ #RiseUpRedHawks | 🎓🏆 | #RedHawksintheNFL pic.twitter.com/uh3MiMY1mP
— Miami Football (@MiamiOHFootball) April 25, 2026

@Panthers have selected Lakota West grad @KuwatchJackson in the 7th round of the NFL Draft
— Lakota West Football (@LakotaWestFB) April 25, 2026

But the story got even better.

Right beside him on this incredible ride was his Lakota West brother and Miami (Ohio) teammate, Silas Walters. While Jackson heard his name called in the draft, Silas earned his own shot at the league by signing as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens — one of the NFL’s most respected organizations. From Friday night lights at Lakota West to college battles together, these two former teammates are now chasing Sundays at the highest level.

Silas Walters (Miami University, 2022–2025) college career stats:
Lakota West grad Silas Walters went from walk-on to scholarship safety and All-MAC standout for the Miami RedHawks.

2022 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in 13 games, primarily special teams; earned Miami’s John Scherz “Most Valuable Walk-On” Award.
2023 (RS Sophomore):
- 34 tackles
- 1.5 tackles for loss
- 1 sack
- 2 pass breakups
- Led the nation in special teams tackles
- National Special Teams Player of the Year finalist
2024 (RS Junior breakout):
- 95 tackles
- 2.5 TFL
- 2 fumble recoveries
- 12 pass breakups
- Defensive Skill Player of the Year (Miami)
- Academic All-MAC / Phil Steele All-MAC
2025 (RS Senior):
- 71 tackles
- 2.5 TFL
- 1 sack
- 3 interceptions
- 7 pass breakups
- Second-Team All-MAC

Career totals (2023–2025 defensive production):

200 tackles
6.5 TFL
2 sacks
3 INTs
24 pass breakups

From unrecruited Lakota West walk-on to one of Miami’s top defensive leaders—an impressive climb.

Walk-on ➡️ The Pros
Congratulations to Silas Walters on signing with the Baltimore Ravens 🐦‍⬛ #RiseUpRedHawks | 🎓🏆 | #RedHawksintheNFL pic.twitter.com/LphdYF4Dpq
— Miami Football (@MiamiOHFootball) April 26, 2026

Congrats to Lakota West grad @SiWalters21 who signed a FA contract with the @ravens https://t.co/QPRWYCHqsN
— Lakota West Football (@LakotaWestFB) April 26, 2026

So proud of Miami, Ohio players @KuwatchJackson (7th round/Carolina Panthers and @SiWalters21 (free agent signing with the RAVENS) as they have earned opportunities to make NFL rosters. So happy for you two. They are ’21 grads of Lakota West and leaders of a tremendous defense.
— Carlton Gray (@Fpcharger2) April 26, 2026

This is more than personal success — it’s legacy.

Lakota West continues to prove it is a pipeline for elite football talent, producing NFL-caliber athletes who carry Firebird pride to the next level. Notable Lakota West alumni who have reached the NFL include: