Ohio State football makes notable SEC addition at a spot of need via the transfer portal
The Buckeyes landed former Florida Gators RB Ja’Kobi Jackson in the transfer portal, providing much-needed depth behind Bo Jackson.
The Ohio State Buckeyes needed to add some depth to the running back room and they got it in the transfer portal. On Thursday afternoon, they landed a commitment from Florida Gators running back Ja’Kobi Jackson.
Florida Gators RB Ja’Kobi Jackson commits to Ohio State Buckeyes
Jackson heading to the Buckeyes makes a lot of sense for a bevy of reasons, as beat writer Brandon Little highlights.
“Carlos Locklyn has done a terrific job since arriving in Columbus and this is just another addition for him. Bo Jackson is the guy in Columbus and will be Ohio State’s 1,000-yard rusher last season. Jackson returned to Ohio State after a breakout freshman season and was compensated well for doing so. Isaiah West is set to be that second back ideally for Ohio State entering his sophomore season alongside Jackson. West showed great burst with 310 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a crowded room as a freshman.
“Ohio State wants to have three running backs they trust to be able to carry the rock. Ball security is a major point of emphasis and any other running back hoping to crack the rotation will have to prove themselves there first. Other names like Turbo Rogers and incoming freshman Favour Akih will round out the depth chart.”
Jackson isn’t a high-upside running back, but he is a very stable player when healthy. After spending time in junior college, Jackson transferred to the Gators ahead of the 2024 season and was a rotational back in his first year. He’s a bigger back at 5-11 and 214 pounds, and plays like it. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry on 95 carries with seven touchdowns in 2024, but struggled to stay on the field last season, playing just four games due to injury.
Coming to the Buckeyes, he will provide a stable presence in a similar way to how C.J. Donaldson did last season. He won’t be an explosive player, but will be capable in every area you need behind Julian Sayin.
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