Jashawn Nelson is a linebacker for the Northern Illinois Huskies who stands 6'2" and weighs 220 pounds. A Fort Wayne, Indiana native from Wayne High School, Nelson was recruited as a three-star prospect with a rating of 0.8453 and ranking of 1823 in the 2025 class. During the 2025 season, he earned playing time in the final four games, appearing against Toledo, UMass, Western Michigan, and Kent State. Nelson recorded five tackles on the season, including three against UMass and two against Kent State. He also blocked a punt against UMass, becoming the first NIU player to block a punt since Corey Lersch in 2019. Nelson is currently a redshirt freshman.