The 2026 college football transfer portal window has officially closed. After opening on January 2, the window shut at midnight Friday, locking in all player movement for the time being. While athletes who entered the portal during the last two weeks can still commit and sign with new programs, no new entries will be allowed until the next transfer window opens.
That deadline coincided with another major milestone in the college football offseason: the cutoff for players to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. As of Wednesday, the decisions are final - we now know which players are headed to the pros and which are coming back for another run at college glory.
Few programs navigated the chaos of the last few weeks quite like Ohio State. The Buckeyes, fresh off a College Football Playoff quarterfinal exit to end their 2025 season, were one of the most active teams in the portal. They saw 34 players depart - a massive number by any measure - but also brought in 16 new faces, including some high-impact additions who could help right away.
But while the spotlight often shines brightest on the newcomers this time of year, the real story for Ohio State might be who didn't leave. In recent seasons, player retention has quietly been one of the biggest keys to the Buckeyes’ sustained success. This offseason was no different.
The Return of Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
One of the most significant returns for Ohio State is edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr. After biding his time early in his career, Jackson stepped into a starting role last season and made the most of it. He tallied 28 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and even chipped in two passes defended - a well-rounded stat line that speaks to his versatility and growth.
What stands out about Jackson’s season isn’t just the numbers, but how he got them. He wasn’t unleashed as a pure pass-rusher from the jump.
Early in the year, his role was more about setting the edge and containing mobile quarterbacks - a job that often flies under the radar but is crucial in today’s game. Still, when he was asked to pin his ears back and go after the quarterback, he proved he could be a disruptive force.
Jackson's decision to return gives the Buckeyes a proven playmaker on the defensive line - someone who’s already shown he can produce in big moments and still has room to elevate his game. For a defense that’s looking to reload rather than rebuild, having a veteran like Jackson back in the fold is a huge win.
In a college football landscape increasingly shaped by player movement and early draft declarations, Ohio State’s ability to hold onto cornerstone players like Jackson might be just as important as any five-star recruit or high-profile transfer. The Buckeyes may have lost a lot of bodies this offseason, but they kept some key ones too - and that could make all the difference come fall.