Ohio State loaded up in the transfer portal this offseason, adding proven college experience across the roster. Not every new arrival will see significant snaps, however. Two recent additions—running back Ja’Kobi Jackson and cornerback Cameron Calhoun—enter 2026 behind established talent and rising young players, raising questions about how much they will contribute this fall.
What Happened
Ohio State signed Florida running back Ja’Kobi Jackson and Alabama cornerback Cameron Calhoun during the latest portal window. Both bring multi-year college experience and physical tools that fit Ryan Day’s roster-building approach. Yet early fall camp reports and projected depth charts show both players currently blocked from heavy roles.
Jackson arrived after three seasons at Florida (including two redshirt years) and earlier time at Coahoma Community College. Calhoun has already stopped at Michigan, Utah, and Alabama before landing in Columbus.
Why This Matters
Ohio State’s depth at running back and cornerback is one of the team’s quiet strengths heading into 2026. Fans often expect every high-profile portal addition to become an immediate difference-maker. When that does not happen, frustration can build even if the player is simply competing in a crowded room.
Understanding these situations helps set realistic expectations before the season starts against Ball State and the tougher non-conference and Big Ten slate that follows.
Key Details Fans Need to Know
Running Back Ja’Kobi Jackson Jackson is a physical 6-foot, 219-pound back from Pensacola, Florida. After three seasons at Coahoma Community College, he transferred to Florida in 2023 and redshirted. In 2024 he rushed for 509 yards and seven touchdowns on 95 carries. An upper-body injury limited him to four games in 2025 (98 yards on 27 carries), preserving a year of eligibility and allowing him to join Ohio State as a seventh-year player.
The Buckeyes already feature sophomore Bo Jackson, who rushed for 1,090 yards as a true freshman, and classmate Isaiah West. Both are expected to handle the bulk of the carries. True freshman Legend Bey is also in the mix. That leaves Ja’Kobi Jackson fighting for third-down or situational work rather than a featured role.
Cornerback Cameron Calhoun Calhoun, a Cincinnati native and former Winton Woods standout, has traveled an unusual path: Michigan (2023), Utah (2024), Alabama (2025), and now Ohio State. He showed strong coverage skills at Utah (team-high pass breakups) but saw limited defensive snaps at Alabama.
Ohio State returns Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Mathews Jr. as the projected starting corners. Georgia transfer Dominick Kelly has earned first-team reps early in camp, and five-star true freshman Jay Timmons is pushing for meaningful playing time. Calhoun currently projects as a depth piece who can step in if injuries hit or in specific packages.
What Happens Next
Both players still have paths to contribution. Injuries, scheme fit, and strong camp performances can open doors quickly. Jackson has already had his black stripe removed, a sign coaches value his work ethic and culture fit. Calhoun’s experience across multiple programs could make him valuable in the secondary rotation as the season progresses.
Fans should watch early-season depth charts and snap counts closely, especially in non-conference games, to see whether either player carves out a larger role.
The Bigger Picture
Ohio State’s approach continues to emphasize competition and depth. Bringing in veterans like Jackson and Calhoun provides insurance without forcing the coaching staff to force playing time. In a long season that could stretch into January, having reliable backups at premium positions often matters more than immediate production from every portal addition.
The Buckeyes’ success in 2026 will depend far more on the development of Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Devin Sanchez, and Jermaine Mathews Jr. than on whether these two transfers become household names this fall.
FAQ Section
Will Ja’Kobi Jackson start for Ohio State in 2026? It is unlikely. Bo Jackson and Isaiah West are currently projected as the top two running backs.
Is Cameron Calhoun expected to be a starter at Ohio State? No. He is behind Devin Sanchez, Jermaine Mathews Jr., and competing with Dominick Kelly and Jay Timmons for rotational snaps.
Why did Ohio State add these transfers if playing time is limited? Depth and experience matter in a long season. Both players provide reliable insurance and special-teams value.
How many years of eligibility does each player have left? Ja’Kobi Jackson is in his final year of eligibility. Cameron Calhoun has two years remaining.
Could either player still make an impact? Yes. Injuries or strong performances can change depth charts quickly during the season.
Reader Question
Do you think Ja’Kobi Jackson or Cameron Calhoun will surprise and earn a bigger role than currently projected, or will they stay in limited packages all season?
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