Four more Buckeyes met with the media after Friday’s second practice of preseason camp.
Tight end Nate Roberts talked about settling in as a full-time tight end after playing fullback last season, running back Bo Jackson talked about where he’s looking to grow in his second year as a Buckeye, safety Earl Little Jr. talked about what he’s loving about Ohio State so far and defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. talked about how he’s leading the Buckeyes’ reloaded defensive line.
TE Nate Roberts
“With the work that I put in with (tight ends coach Keenan Bailey) and the rest of the tight ends, I feel very comfortable. I feel comfortable in both my run blocking and pass-catching abilities.”– Nate Roberts on Playing tight end full-time
- On what he learned from playing fullback: "Just got to be ready to play whatever position they need me to. So I got to practice that — above the slot, out wide and in line. I think fullback definitely helped me out. So I'm comfortable with moving around. It's not new to me."
- On learning from Max Klare: "He helped me out so much. Just seeing how he handled our movements and all the motions that we had, and how he how he ran his route and how he's all about his body language. I mean, as a young guy, I was trying to learn as much as I can, and just kind of be astonished around him with what he had to say and different concepts and stuff like that."
- How he'd compare the tight ends this year to last year: "We're just as deep on paper, maybe even deeper. We got five, six guys that can go out there. We're very deep going into the fall camp, so I think that will help us out so much going into the season, especially later in the season."
- Is it helpful to have Arthur Smith's tight end background?: "He's definitely helping the tight ends a lot in the run game and in the past game. So he's got our back. That's kind of what we've been saying. He's done a great job with us and trying to give us ball as best as we can and help us out in the room.
RB Bo Jackson
“Just everything. Getting bigger, faster, stronger on the field. Everything.” – Bo Jackson on where he can improve this season
- When asked about Isaiah West’s offseason, Jackson said West’s transformation “really didn’t surprise me” because West has always been a hard worker.
- Jackson said Arthur Smith “has a great offense” that revolves around the offensive line, tight ends and running backs. “It’s a run-heavy offense.”
- Jackson said Florida transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson has good hands and good vision at the running back position.
- Jackson said he hurt his labrum “toward the end of the season” in 2025. Jackson confirmed both he and West suffered the same injury last year and underwent the same procedure and recovery process. Jackson said he’s 100% healthy entering the 2026 season.
- When told Ohio State is the No. 1 team in the Coaches Poll, Jackson said, “We don’t pay attention to nothing like that.” He said the Buckeyes will keep their heads down and work this offseason to win games this fall.
S Earl Little Jr.
"This is a phenomenal place. From nutrition, weight room, coaching staff, academics, it’s second to none. I feel like this is the place to be. I’m blessed to be in this position. I’m thankful for the opportunity.” – Earl Little Jr. on playing for Ohio State
- When asked what his role will be and where he’ll play for Ohio State this season, Little said, “Just kind of everywhere on the field, wherever the team needs me, whatever week it is, that’s where I’ll be.”
- Little said it’s “been a pleasure” playing for the Buckeyes so far. He has a great relationship with all of his teammates, especially Ohio State’s defensive backs. “The Brotherhood is definitely there. We’re all connected, playing as one.”
- On freshman cornerback Jay Timmons: “He came in, making plays off the bet. He’s there mentally as well as physically… I commend him and tip my hat to him. He’s gonna be a great player for us.”
- On UTSA transfer wide receiver Devin McCuin: “McCuin is definitely gonna be a great player for us. I feel like he’s a dog. He gets in and out of his routes smoothly. He can block. He’s physical at the point of attack. I feel like he’s gonna be a great player for us.”
- Little said he and Jaylen McClain have a great relationship and communicate frequently on and off the field. Little said McClain is a “phenomenal piece of the defense” that the entire team leans on.
DE Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
"pretty much just being myself. Just lead by example. You know, be a vocal leader on the team. I'm one of the veterans on the defense, like you said. You know, just lead by example, do my job the best I can, and that's pretty much it."– Kenyatta Jackson Jr. on being a veteran
- How everyone learns new roles after guys leave: "Our defense is simple. It may seem difficult to other people, but inside house, it's real simple for each person. So I don't think anybody had a difficult time learning their role."
- What's different with defensive end Beau Atkinson: "He put the work in behind the scenes for sure. I think (coach Larry Johnson) told him that he needed to be more flexible a little bit. He worked on that in the training room. He put the work in after practice each and every day. You can see it every day. That hard work is showing on the field right now."
- On what he learned last year: "It's next man up. There's no philosophy to it. It's just, at Ohio State, we have the best players, the best people here, so it's next man up. That's it."
- What he learns from going against various offensive tackles: "Breaking down tendencies or whatever the case may be, so I can get an upper hand on my opponent."
