Ohio State football just received a huge boost to its 2026 roster – and he may end up a first-round pick

The Buckeyes are getting one of their top defenders back for another season.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a big reason to be ecstatic on Thursday with one of their own set to return for another season. 

NFL draft decisions for underclassmen not playing in the national championship were due by the end of the day Wednesday, and the biggest remaining decision has been made in Columbus. 

Kenyatta Jackson is returning for another season with the Buckeyes 

Ohio State will return a big piece of its defense for a fifth season, as Jackson will be back in Columbus for one final season. Jackson had 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2025 as one of the best parts of Ohio State’s defensive line. With the loss of Caden Curry and his 11 sacks, getting Jackson back is a significant win.

Jackson was a top-10 EDGE in the class of 2022 out of Florida and had a breakout season in 2025. He had to wait his turn behind Jack Sayer and J.T. Tuimoloau to be a starter with just three sacks recorded between 2023 and 2024. Jackson will return to Columbus wearing No. 2, once worn by Buckeye great Chase Young.

Ohio State added Qua Russaw from Alabama from the transfer portal, and he’ll have a chance to start opposite Jackson in 2026. The Buckeyes also have former North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson back for another season, along with sophomore Zion Grady. Khary Wilder is an incoming true freshman who has a chance to make an early impact. 

Players like Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Max Klare, and Carnell Tate are all exiting college early to make the jump to the NFL. Jackson very well could have done so as a 6-6, 260-pound possible Day 2 pick. A welcome return for the Buckeyes — and Jackson could end up a first-rounder as a result in the long run.

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