Photo via Tennessee Athletics
Florida running back transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson committed to Ohio State football over Tennessee Thursday afternoon, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz first reported. Jackson visited Tennessee last Sunday as the Vols continue to pursue a running back in the portal but ends up in Columbus for his final year of collegiate eligibility.
The 5-foot-11, 214-pound back spent three years at Florida after starting his college career at Coahoma Community College. Jackson redshirted the 2023 season at Florida before rushing for 509 yards and seven touchdowns on 95 carries in 2024.
The Pensacola native played four games in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury. Jackson rushed for just 98 yards and no touchdowns on 27 carries a season ago.
Tennessee is looking to add a running back, particularly a cheap running back, to provide depth on its roster ahead of the 2026 season.
Tennessee returns starting running back DeSean Bishop is returning to Knoxville for his redshirt junior season after rushing for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns on 182 carries during the 2025 season. But the Vols need to add depth behind him.
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Star Thomas is out of eligibility after spending just one season at Tennessee. Rising junior Peyton Lewis entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason before landing at his home state Virginia on Thursday night. Rising sophomore Daune Morris will likely step into a larger role next season, but Tennessee still needs to add another capable and experience back.
The Vols have kicked the tires and hosted a number of running backs on visits. Jacksonville State transfer Cam Cook committed to West Virginia, NC State running back Hollywood Smothers committed to Texas, Louisiana running back Zylan Perry committed to Cincinnati and Cal running back Kendrick Raphael committed to SMU.
Tennessee has been linked to a handful of other transfer running backs. They hosted Florida State running back transfer Gavin Sawchuk on a visit and will reportedly host Tulane running back Javin Gordon
The Vols have landed 12 commitments in the transfer portal to date including Williams, Penn State LEO Chaz Coleman, Tulane LEO Jordan Norman, Penn State inside linebacker Amare Campbell, Penn State safety Dejuan Lane, Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, Kansas State nickelback Qua Moss, Michigan safety TJ Metcalf, Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee, Oklahoma State receiver Gavin Freeman, Louisville kicker Cooper Ranvier and Eastern Kentucky linebacker/long snapper Blake Howard.