DonZenLeik: A New Food Series From Three Buckeyes

If there is one thing fans can say about the 2025 NFL Draft class, it is that they love themselves a good meal. Between Texas offensive tackle (OT) Kelvin Banks’ Austin BBQ Tour and LSU OT Emery Jones Jr.’s personalized BIG50 Burger, fans have more than enough food-related entertainment and recommendations. 

There is one trio from Ohio State that stands out in this field, though. 

DonZenLeik.

Is that a typo?

If you’re confused about what exactly this is, don’t worry- I was, as well. Is it a restaurant? A product? A person? 

Nope, this is the name of a series hosted by Ohio State athletes; offensive linemen Donovan Jackson and Zenuae Michalski, plus defensive tackle, Tyleik Williams. Together, the three visit food establishments in the Columbus, Ohio area and review their meals. 

Not only do they evaluate the food, but the athletes also discuss the environment of the restaurants and the experience, as a whole. They also take recommendations from fans in the comments who want them to review a particular establishment.

Thus far, they have made seven episodes including six restaurants and one homemade meal by fellow Buckeye J.T. Tuimoloau. Here is a quick recap of the episodes so far, plus links for any interested fans. 

1. Harvest Bar & Kitchen

2. Katalina’s

3. The Thurman Cafe

4. Si Señor Restaurant

5. Sexton’s Burger Bar

6. Bubbakoo’s Burritos

7. Buckeye Summer Cookout

The athletes had clearly gained some attention by their sixth episode because their trip to Bubbakoo’s Burritos was actually a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. It’s unclear if any other episodes were also sponsored. However, I would guess that more restaurants will reach out to these Buckeyes to review their food.

Rich in food AND endorsements

Although the series doesn’t always feature a restaurant they have partnered with through NIL, the three athletes are still experienced in that area, as well.

Williams has racked up the greatest amount of deals. This is probably because he has the most social media followers and is the highest projected draft pick of the three. According to his Instagram, he has deals with EA Sports, Pursuit Yourself, Coughlin Cars Dealership, Reebok, and PorkRinds.com. He has also partnered with eFuse, On3 writes.

While Michalski and Jackson don’t have quite as many partnerships yet, they are still partnered with a few notable names. Michalski is proving his strength in the realm of fashion as he has also promoted Pursuit Yourself several times per his social media. Plus, Jackson joined several of his teammates to promote Applebees’ All You Can Eat Boneless Wings Special in 2022. Not long after, he joined Chipotle’s Real Food for Real Athletes campaign, Eleven Warriors writes.

Williams is currently projected to be a first-round pick by the NFL Mock Draft Database. Analysts predict Jackson will go during the third-round while it is still unclear where Michalski will land. 

Although fans still have a while before the 2025 Draft, each of these Buckeyes looks like they have a successful future ahead. Who knows? Maybe they can even secure a deal for their very own food review television show. 

I would watch it.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.