Get ready, football fans, because Ohio State is beefing up its backfield with a seasoned veteran! Former Florida running back Ja’Kobi Jackson is heading to Columbus for his seventh year of college football, bringing a wealth of experience to the Buckeyes.
Here's the lowdown on the newest Buckeye:
- Year: Seventh-Year Senior
- Size: 5-11, 214 pounds
- Position: Running Back
- Previous School: Florida (2023-2025)
- 2025 Stats: 27 carries, 98 yards; 4 catches, 27 yards
Jackson's journey to Ohio State is a testament to his perseverance. He kicked off his college career back in 2020 at Coahoma Community College, where he racked up an impressive 1,390 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons. After redshirting his first year at Florida in 2023, Jackson made a significant impact in 2024, rushing for 509 yards and 7 touchdowns as the Gators' second-string running back. Unfortunately, a season-ending upper-body injury cut short his 2025 campaign after he had already gained 98 yards on 27 carries.
This move makes Jackson the second seventh-year senior on Ohio State's 2026 roster, joining Northwestern transfer tight end Hunter Welcing. This is a strategic move, as the Buckeyes aim to fill the void left by CJ Donaldson exhausting his eligibility and the transfer portal departures of James Peoples and Sam Dixon. The Buckeyes didn’t have any members of the 2020 recruiting class on their 2025 roster, but they will have two in 2026.
Jackson's arrival adds valuable depth to a running back room that includes returning players like Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, as well as redshirt freshman Anthony “Turbo” Rogers and true freshmen Favour Akih and Legend Bey.
But here's where it gets interesting... Jackson's addition marks Ohio State's 14th transfer commitment for the 2026 season. The Buckeyes are clearly aiming to reload their roster with experienced talent.
Here's a look at the other key additions via the transfer portal:
- Mason Williams (Tight End)
- Dalton Riggs (Long Snapper)
- John Walker (Defensive Tackle)
- Devin McCuin (Wide Receiver)
- Christian Alliegro (Linebacker)
- Earl Little Jr. (Safety)
- Terry Moore (Safety)
- Hunter Welcing (Tight End)
- Justyn Martin (Quarterback)
- James Smith (Defensive Tackle)
- Qua Russaw (Defensive End)
- Connor Hawkins (Kicker)
- Cam Calhoun (Cornerback)
This influx of transfers raises a key question: Is this the new norm in college football? What do you think about the increasing reliance on the transfer portal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
