When the Transfer Portal opened, the Ohio State football team immediately lost several running backs. Sam Dixon and James Peoples headed for the portal, thinning out the running back room. Once that happened, it looked like they were in some big trouble at that spot.
CJ Donaldson is out of eligibility. It took the Buckeyes giving Bo Jackson a hefty raise to convince him to return to the team. Still, keeping their starting running back was huge for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Had Jackson left, they would have been in a lot of trouble heading into 2026.
One of the biggest issues that the Buckeyes had has finally been resolved. Ohio State was finally able to bring in a running back to really help the depth at that spot. Former Florida running back Ja'Kobi Jackson is using his seventh year of eligibility to play in Columbus.
Ohio State football team lands Florida running back Ja'Kobi Jackson
Jackson started his career at the community college level back in 2020. He spent the last three seasons with the Gators. This past year was the first time he got a significant number of carries, toting it 95 times and scoring seven touchdowns.
Having him as the second or third running back will be great for the Buckeyes next year. Jackson is still the undisputed starter. Isaiah West will continue to rotate behind him. Now, Jackson will share in those rotational snaps with West based on the situation.
Ryan Day has finally started to replace some of the 30+ players they have lost to the Transfer Portal this offseason. Ross Bjork finally got whipped into shape to use some of the NIL money that they have stored up. Ohio State has to feel much better about the running back spot with Jackson in the fold.
Ohio State still needs some help at receiver, defensive line, and perhaps an offensive lineman. Getting a new punter wouldn't be the worst idea in the world, either. Regardless, Ohio State has finally started getting active in the portal in a way they should have been all along.