Will McDonald IV Bio
Wilbert McDonald IV, known professionally as Will McDonald IV, is an American professional football defensive end for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and listed at 245 pounds, he plays the edge rusher position and has quickly developed into one of the Jets’ most productive pass rushers. Drafted 15th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, McDonald came to the professional ranks after a record-setting career at Iowa State University, where he set the program’s all-time sack record and earned multiple All-Big 12 honors.
Early Life and Background
Will McDonald IV was born on June 4, 1999, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He spent his early years in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, growing up in a region known for producing competitive football talent. Before settling at his final high school, McDonald attended Casimir Pulaski High School as a freshman, an experience that helped introduce him to organized athletics at a higher level.
He transferred to Waukesha North High School in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he became a multi-sport athlete. In addition to football, McDonald lettered in basketball and track and field, sports that helped him develop the speed, explosiveness, and overall athleticism that would later define his playing style. His performance on the gridiron at Waukesha North drew attention from college recruiters and ultimately set the stage for his move to the Big 12 Conference.
Path to American Football
McDonald’s path to professional football began to take shape during his high school years at Waukesha North, where his combination of size and quickness marked him as a defensive line prospect. His recruitment led him to Iowa State University, a program that had begun establishing itself as a destination for developing defensive talent within the Big 12.
Arriving in Ames, McDonald quickly adjusted to the college level. As a true freshman, he appeared in four games and recorded three tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble before redshirting the remainder of the season. The decision to preserve a year of eligibility allowed him to develop physically and technically, and he soon emerged as one of the most disruptive edge rushers in college football.
Will McDonald IV Career
Early Career (2018-2019)
McDonald enrolled at Iowa State in 2018 and immediately began working within the Cyclones’ defensive scheme. During his redshirt year, he focused on adding strength and refining his pass-rush technique, an investment that paid off once he returned to the field. The foundation built during this developmental period proved essential to his rapid rise within the Big 12.
When he re-entered the rotation, McDonald showed flashes of the pass-rushing ability that would later define his career. His blend of length, athleticism, and motor allowed him to win against both offensive tackles and tight ends, and he began earning praise from the Iowa State coaching staff for his work ethic and consistency in practice.
Iowa State Breakthrough (2020-2022)
As a redshirt sophomore, McDonald broke out on a national level. He was named first-team All-Big 12 after setting a school record and tying for the national lead with 10.5 sacks, a performance that announced him as one of the premier defensive linemen in college football. That season earned him recognition as one of the conference’s most feared edge rushers.
McDonald continued to elevate his game during his redshirt junior season, surpassing his previous single-season sack total and breaking the Iowa State career sacks record. His dominance over three consecutive seasons led to three straight first-team All-Big 12 selections from 2020 through 2022, and in 2021 he was named the Big 12 co-Defensive Lineman of the Year, cementing his legacy as one of the best defensive players in program history.
New York Jets Era (2023-Present)
McDonald was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft as the 15th overall pick. The Jets, who held the 13th overall selection, traded down two spots with the Green Bay Packers as part of the Aaron Rodgers trade, a move that brought McDonald to New York. In his rookie season, he posted three sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, providing a glimpse of his long-term potential.
During his second season in 2024, McDonald emerged as a true standout for the Jets. He recorded 28 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles, while also producing 24 quarterback hits, totals that placed him among the league’s most productive edge rushers. In a Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans, he delivered three sacks and a forced fumble, a performance that highlighted his growing impact on the Jets’ defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
McDonald is known for his quick first step, long reach, and ability to win at the line of scrimmage against both run and pass. His track and field background contributes to his explosive get-off, while his basketball experience shows up in his body control and hand usage. He pairs athletic tools with a relentless motor, traits that allow him to produce consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks throughout a game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of his young career, McDonald’s three-sack performance against the Tennessee Titans in 2024 stands out as one of his most productive single games. His back-to-back record-breaking seasons at Iowa State and his status as a first-round pick further reinforce his standing as one of the most accomplished defensive players in recent Jets history.
Will McDonald IV Career Wins
While defensive ends are not measured by traditional win totals, McDonald’s career has been defined by sack production and disruptive plays. Across his NFL tenure with the New York Jets, he has accumulated 21.5 sacks, 72 total tackles, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections, numbers that reflect his growing role as a foundational piece of the Jets’ defense.
New York Jets Highlights
McDonald’s most productive NFL season to date came in 2024, when he recorded 10.5 sacks and earned recognition as one of the top pass rushers in the league. He opened that season with a three-sack performance against the Tennessee Titans and continued to produce at a high level throughout the year. In 2025, he led the Jets with eight sacks and 10 tackles for loss through 15 games before a knee injury in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints ended his season on December 26, 2025.
Other Wins and Performances
At the college level, McDonald set the Iowa State career sacks record and earned Big 12 co-Defensive Lineman of the Year honors in 2021. His three consecutive first-team All-Big 12 selections from 2020 to 2022 remain among the most decorated stretches by a defensive lineman in program history.
Will McDonald IV Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information about Will McDonald IV’s family background remains limited, and details about his parents or extended family are not widely documented.
Personal Life
McDonald was born and raised in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and continues to be identified with his hometown community. He has not publicly disclosed information about a spouse or children, and he maintains a private personal life outside of his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Will McDonald IV entered the 2025 season as a key component of the New York Jets’ defensive front, looking to build on his breakout 2024 campaign. He quickly delivered on those expectations, leading the team with eight sacks and 10 tackles for loss through the first 15 games of the season. His production helped anchor a Jets defense that relied heavily on his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Tragically, McDonald’s 2025 season was cut short when he suffered a knee injury during the Week 16 game against the New Orleans Saints. On December 26, 2025, the Jets placed him on season-ending injured reserve, ending a strong year that had positioned him as one of the franchise’s most reliable defensive playmakers.
On April 29, 2026, the Jets picked up the fifth-year option on McDonald’s contract, a clear signal that the organization views him as a long-term building block. The move underscores the Jets’ confidence in his recovery and his continued role as a central figure in their defensive plans heading into the next phase of his career.
