Ohio State added a veteran running back for the 2026 season. He played three years for the Florida Gators.
Ohio State running back Bo Jackson had a monster year in 2025, rushing for 1,090 yards (6.1 yards per rush) and six touchdowns.
Jackson earned one of OSU's two touchdowns in the 24-14 loss to No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl.
Jackson is expected to return for the Buckeyes in 2026 and should have a key role on the offense.
With Jackson returning, Ohio State continued to add depth to the backfield in the transfer portal.
Per On3, Florida running back Ja'Kobi Jackson committed to join Ohio State for 2026. Jackson spent three seasons at Florida and three years at Coahoma Community College.
Jackson was the fourth-leading rusher on the Gators in 2025. He rushed 27 times for 98 yards. He added four receptions for 27 yards.
The five-foot-11, 214-pound native from Pensacola, Florida, had his best season in 2024 when he rushed for 509 yards and seven touchdowns on 95 carries.
Per the Gators website, Jackson used his time at community college to motivate himself to become a better player and make an impact in the FBS.
"I would be in the JuCo dorm and always thinking about it, always reading about it, see myself doing it,” Jackson said. "It gave me a lot of time to find myself and stay focused. You had to be self-motivated.
"What really drove me, I would say, was having it hard growing up. Not having much and wanting more. I wanted to be the one who changed everything for my family."
While Jackson won't finish his college career with Florida, he's thankful for the opportunities he had with the Gators.
"I learned a lot,” Jackson said. "It's a great place, it's great people. I love the University of Florida. It's a place that I can call home forever. That's what it's all about."
The Buckeyes have put together a solid class from the transfer portal for 2026. Per 247Sports, Ohio State is ranked No. 8.
Jackson will have an opportunity to compete for playing time in a talented OSU backfield. He'll also have a chance to compete for a Big Ten championship and CFP run.