With Both Kickers Departing, Ohio State Moves to Replace Position by Offering Top 2026 Prospect

Overview

• Backup Jackson Courville, a transfer from Ball State who did not attempt a field goal in 2025, entered the transfer portal on Jan. 2 with two years of eligibility remaining.
• Starter Jayden Fielding is out of eligibility after a season that included crucial misses cited in the Cotton Bowl loss to Miami.
• Ohio State offered a scholarship on Jan. 1 to high-school kicker Jacobo Echeverria, who is touted as a top 2026 prospect and went 17-for-18 on field goals as a senior.
• The offer was communicated by special teams coordinator Gunner Daniel and Coach Keys, according to Echeverria’s social media post.
• Reporters expect the Buckeyes to seek a transfer in addition to recruiting a freshman, with commentators highlighting portal options such as former Illinois kicker David Olano.