Ohio State football’s Kenyatta Jackson Jr. makes strong admission on why he couldn’t leave Columbus yet for the NFL
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is back for one more season and it was huge news for Ohio State when he decided to stay for one final year.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are back on the practice field for spring football and Thursday marked their second of 15 practices.
Ohio State had a ton of turnover from last season’s roster, but they do return a few of their most important pieces back despite having north of 50 new players.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is the top returning player for Ohio State’s defense, and his decision to come back was big for the Buckeyes.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. opens up about his decision to return to Ohio State for one last season
The Buckeyes lost Caden Curry and his 11 sacks which led the team in 2025. Jackson had 6.5 sacks as a redshirt junior last season and he’ll be the Buckeyes’ top pass rusher this season.
“Pretty much I came back just to be a more complete football player, not just on the field but off the field,” Jackson told the media on Thursday. “The IQ and things of that nature.”
I’m taking a leadership role. We have new guys in the room. I’m just taking them in and just showing them the ropes, the standard of Ohio State football.”
Last season was a breakout season for Jackson of sorts with 28 tackles and 6.5 sacks. In the 28 games before last year, Jackson had just three sacks to his credit. No one should be surprised if the 6-foot-6, 265-pound EDGE goes for a double-digit sack this season.
Ohio State’s pass rush past Kenyatta Jackson is intriguing
There isn’t a whole lot of proven pass rush beyond Jackson, but the Buckeyes have some players ready to step into bigger roles. Zion Grady showed promise as a freshman last year with 13 tackles and a sack. The Buckeyes are high on him and he should battle for playing time opposite Jackson.
Ohio State went out and got Qua Russaw from Alabama in the transfer portal and he’s going to be part of the EDGE rotation. Former North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson and second-year player Epi Sitanilei will also be competing for playing time.
There’s no shortage of potential for Ohio State with rushing the passer this season off the edge. Larry Johnson’s unit should be a strong point of the defense once again this coming fall.
Ohio State Buckeyes News
Ryan Day issues challenge to Ohio State Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin that could quietly make or break the 2026 season
Ohio State needs more from Julian Sayin in 2026 and all involved know it.
