2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jake Gideon, OL, Western Michigan University

• Name: Jake Gideon
• Position: OC/OG
• College: Western Michigan University 
• Height: 6’2.5″
• Weight: 304
• Twitter: jgideon65
• Instagram: _jakegideon

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?

I believe what makes me a top prospect at my position, is having the versatility and IQ to play all three interior positions at a high level. Center has been my main position for the last three years, and to excel in that role you must be able to see the entire field and diagnose the defense before you even begin to think about your technique and assignment. Along with this, you have to be able to communicate at a very high level, as you are required to let the rest of the offensive line know where we will be going. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing that NFL teams should know about me is that I have starting experience at all three IOL positions in my career, with multiple games of playing multiple positions within the same drive/quarter/game. I also was put in position 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would probably be providing help for kids within the foster care system. 

Who was your role model? 

My role model has been my parents all my life, but throughout college and in my football career it has been Jason Kelce. Just with the similarities in being somewhat of an undersized center, from a smaller school; I have tried to model my game after him, and always look to watch his film throughout the year. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

I currently do not have a favorite NFL team, as I really enjoy watching everybody, but my favorite team growing up was the Pittsburgh Steelers. I was a huge fan of their defense, and my favorite players were Troy Polamalu and James Harrison

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

The most underrated teammate at my school that graduated with me, was Anthony Sambucci. He is a wideout from Illinois, who was easily one of the hardest workers at this level, and generated some of the best contested catches that I’ve ever seen.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is seeing someone not reach their full potential due to their lack of work ethic, or someone who gives up a full-ride scholarship due to other distractions. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Well currently my girlfriend is a 4th grade teacher, so I would say that she is my favorite teacher ever. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

The hardest moment in my life that I’ve had to overcome is playing through an injury this past season that I believe affected my overall play. Going into each game knowing that I was not at my 100% was incredibly difficult mentally, but I don’t believe that I played awful this year either. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

I would definitely like to have a Chipotle in my house; it was a staple for me over the years and having free access to it any time I wanted would definitely be very nice. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food would probably be avocado toast. 

What is your degree in?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s of Business Administration Degree, which I’ll graduate with this spring. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with three people, I would choose my Grandmother, Toby Keith, and Denzel Washington. I just think those three at a table would an awesome conversation, and I would love to be apart of it. 

What is your biggest weakness?

I believe my biggest weakness on the football field is staying in control at the second level.