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' roster.
Here’s the lowdown on Jackson:
- 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 at Coahoma Community College in 2020, 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, he emerged as a key player in 2024, rushing for 509 yards and 7 touchdowns as the Gators' second-leading rusher. Unfortunately, a season-ending upper-body injury cut his 2025 season short after just 98 yards on 27 carries.
This addition is crucial for Ohio State. Jackson joins the team, providing a veteran presence alongside rising sophomores Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, bolstering the running back rotation. He becomes the second seventh-year senior on the 2026 roster, joining Northwestern transfer tight end Hunter Welcing. The Buckeyes are clearly aiming for a blend of experience and fresh talent.
Jackson is also the 14th transfer commitment for Ohio State in 2026, signaling a strategic approach to roster building.
Here's a look at the other key transfer additions for the Buckeyes:
- Mason Williams (TE) - Ohio
- Dalton Riggs (LS) - UCF, BYU
- John Walker (DT) - UCF
- Devin McCuin (WR) - UTSA
- Christian Alliegro (LB) - Wisconsin
- Earl Little Jr. (S) - Florida State
- Terry Moore (S) - Duke
- Hunter Welcing (TE) - Northwestern
- Justyn Martin (QB) - Maryland, UCLA
- James Smith (DT) - Alabama
- Qua Russaw (DE) - Alabama
- Connor Hawkins (K) - Baylor
- Cam Calhoun (CB) - Alabama, Utah, Michigan
- Ja'Kobi Jackson (RB) - Florida, Coahoma CC
With CJ Donaldson exhausting his eligibility and James Peoples and Sam Dixon entering the transfer portal, the addition of Jackson provides much-needed depth. Bo Jackson is expected to lead the running back corps, with West likely taking the No. 2 spot. The 2026 running back room will also feature redshirt freshman Anthony “Turbo” Rogers and true freshmen Favour Akih and Legend Bey.
The addition of a seventh-year senior is a bold move. Do you think this is a smart strategy for Ohio State? Will Jackson's experience make a significant impact on the team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
