Why Kenyatta Jackson in Year 5 is so rare, and so prepared to bust out some old man strength

Veteran edge rushers dominated major college football last season. This Buckeye could be next.

Kenyatta Jackson had 6.5 sacks last season and is back for more in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State)

COLUMBUS — Kenyatta Jackson could be gone.

There were 11 Buckeyes, including seven of Ohio State’s defensive starters from 2025, at the NFL Combine a month ago. Jackson easily could have made it 12 and eight.

“He could have come out if he wanted to,” Caden Cury, Jackson’s fellow defensive end and member of Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class, said at the combine. “He could be standing right next to me here today.”

Instead, a couple of weeks later, Jackson was standing at the front of Ohio State’s team room during the first week of spring practice as a team spokesman and one of three fifth-year Buckeyes remaining from his recruiting class, along with center Carson Hinzman and tight end Bennett Christian.

How does it feel to be one of three guys left from his class?

“Made me feel old,” Jackson said.

How does it feel to be a team spokesman?

“I’m used to it,” Jackson said. “I just don’t like talking.”