Syracuse defensive lineman Kevin Jobity Jr. is taking the next step in his football journey, officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. The announcement came Friday via his Instagram account, capping off a college career that saw him emerge as Syracuse’s most disruptive pass rusher in 2025.
Jobity Jr. led the Orange with five sacks this past season - a solid number made even more impressive by the fact that three of those came in a single game against Pitt. That night, he was practically living in the Panthers’ backfield, helping Syracuse rack up seven total sacks and earning himself ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. In a defense that had its ups and downs, Jobity Jr. was the clear standout in the pass rush department, finishing two sacks ahead of the next closest teammate, Jamie Tremble.
His path to this point wasn’t exactly traditional. A native of Buffalo, New York, Jobity Jr. grew up around pro sports - his father played professional basketball - and initially followed that same path.
But in 2021, he pivoted to football, and it didn’t take long for him to make noise on the gridiron. He became an All-State defensive lineman in high school and quickly worked his way into the rotation at Syracuse, appearing in the final eight games of the 2022 season as a freshman.
In 2023, which turned out to be Dino Babers’ final year as head coach, Jobity Jr. played in all 13 games and notched 2.5 sacks. He took on a larger role under new head coach Fran Brown in 2024, earning a starting spot and recording 2.5 tackles for loss in the first five games before a season-ending injury cut things short.
But Jobity Jr. bounced back strong in 2025, anchoring a defensive line that needed a spark. His ability to generate pressure, especially off the edge, gave the Orange a much-needed presence up front. Whether it was collapsing the pocket or forcing quarterbacks off their spots, Jobity Jr. consistently showed the kind of motor and explosiveness that NFL scouts take notice of.
He now joins a growing list of Syracuse players eyeing the professional ranks. Punter Jack Stonehouse, defensive backs Duce Chestnut and Da’Metrius Weatherspoon, and linebacker Dion “Tank” Wilson are all part of that group. Tight end Dan Villari is also expected to declare, though he hasn’t made it official yet.
For Jobity Jr., the draft declaration marks the next chapter in a story that’s already featured a late switch in sports, a climb through the college ranks, and a comeback from injury. The NFL will be getting a player with raw power, proven production, and a chip on his shoulder - and that combination tends to travel well on Sundays.