Ja’Kobi Jackson is on the move again - and this time, he’s headed to one of college football’s biggest stages. After three seasons at Florida, the veteran running back is transferring to Ohio State for his final year of eligibility, giving the Buckeyes another experienced weapon in the backfield as they reload for another Big Ten title run.
Jackson’s journey to Columbus has been anything but conventional. He started his college career at the junior college level in 2020 before making the leap to the SEC with the Gators.
For much of his time in Gainesville, Jackson was buried on the depth chart, but in 2024, he finally got his shot - and made the most of it. He racked up 509 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 95 carries, flashing the kind of burst and vision that made him a valuable piece of Florida’s offense that season.
Unfortunately, his 2025 campaign was derailed by injury, limiting him to just four appearances. And with Florida’s rising star Jadan Baugh opting to return to Gainesville rather than enter the portal, Jackson saw the writing on the wall and chose to seek a fresh opportunity elsewhere.
That opportunity now lies in Columbus, but don’t expect Jackson to be handed the keys to the Buckeyes’ backfield. Ohio State is expected to lean on a committee approach in 2026, with Bo Jackson - the lone returning back - and Isaiah West also in the mix.
It’s a crowded room, and carries will have to be earned. Still, Jackson brings something valuable to the table: experience, toughness, and a proven ability to produce when called upon.
And let’s be honest - depth in the running back room is never a bad thing, especially in the Big Ten, where physicality reigns and injuries are part of the grind. While Jackson may not be the presumed starter, he’s got a real shot to carve out a meaningful role. If he can stay healthy and recapture his 2024 form, he could be a difference-maker in a backfield that’s still taking shape.
Meanwhile, back in Gainesville, all eyes will be on Jadan Baugh. With Jackson gone, Baugh becomes the clear-cut lead back for head coach Jon Sumrall, who’s undoubtedly thrilled to have his star runner back for another year. The Gators will need Baugh to carry a heavy load in 2026, and if he delivers, Florida’s offense could be just fine despite the departure of Jackson.
As for Ja’Kobi Jackson, his college football journey has taken another turn - and now he’s got one last shot to make a statement, this time in scarlet and gray.