Another one bites the dust as former Florida running back Ja'Kobi Jackson has found his new college football home. After playing in Gainesville for three seasons, the now seventh-year back is heading to Columbus to join the Ohio State Buckeyes for his final season of college football.
Jackson began his career in community college back in 2020 before transferring to Florida and playing the last three seasons with the Gators. It wasn't until the 2024 season, though, that Jackson saw a lot of action with 95 carries for 509 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
BREAKING: Florida transfer RB Ja’Kobi Jackson has committed to Ohio State, @Hayesfawcett3 reports🌰https://t.co/vosM2KmB0a pic.twitter.com/KIgxmAQWkL
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 15, 2026
Jackson's 2025 season was cut short due to injury, and he only appeared in four games for the Gators. While he showed flashes of greatness, with star running back Jadan Baugh making the decision to return to Gainesville instead of hitting the transfer portal, Jackson decided to leave instead.
However, Jackson won't have a starting role waiting for him in Columbus. He is most likely going to be in a rotation with Bo Jackson, the lone returning running back for Ohio State this next season, and Isaiah West. So if he was looking for a starting role, he may have picked the wrong place, as the Buckeyes like a committee backfield.
This doesn't mean that Jackson doesn't have a chance to be the starter because crazy things can always happen during a football season, and he could prove himself to be a strong contender for the starting role as well.
Florida will now rely heavily on Baugh this next season as he is truly the sole back for the Gators, and head coach Jon Sumrall is probably very happy for his return.