Florida running back transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson visited Tennessee football on Sunday, GoVols247’s Ryan Callahan reported, as the Vols continue their search for a running back in the portal.
Jackson has just one more year of college ability remaining. 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 and Louisiana running back Zylan Perry committed to Cincinnati.
Tennessee has also hosted Cal running back transfer Kendrick Raphael and Florida State running back transfer Gavin Sawchuk on visits.
The Vols have landed 10 commits in the transfer portal to date but most have been on the defensive side of the ball. Tennessee has landed commitments from Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, Penn State edge rusher Chaz Coleman, Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell, Kansas State nickel back Qua Moss, Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee, Penn State safety Dejuan Lee, LSU offensive tackle Ory Williams, Oklahoma State receiver Gavin Freeman, Louisville kicker Cooper Ranvier and Eastern Kentucky long snapper/linebacker Blake Howard.
