It’s not every day a kid from Dayton, Ohio, gets to live out his Buckeye dreams, but that’s exactly what’s happening for Jackson Courville. The sophomore kicker, who’s been nailing field goals for Ball State, just committed to Ohio State through the transfer portal, and Buckeye Nation is buzzing with excitement. This isn’t just a roster move—it’s a homecoming for a guy who grew up just an hour from Columbus, cheering for the scarlet and gray.
A Small-Town Star with a Big Leg
If you’ve followed Mid-American Conference football, you know Courville’s name. At Ball State, he wasn’t just kicking field goals—he was stealing the show. As a freshman in 2023, he stepped up as the Cardinals’ starting placekicker, drilling 15-of-21 field goals and 24-of-25 extra points. That’s 69 points for the season, leading the team. Fast forward to 2024, and he was even sharper, hitting 11-of-13 field goals (84.6%) and 30-of-31 extra points.
But it’s the clutch moments that define him. Picture this: October 26, 2024, Ball State vs. Northern Illinois. The game’s on the line, and Courville calmly boots a 52-yard field goal to seal a 25-23 upset. That wasn’t a fluke—he did the same thing the year before, nailing a game-winner against the Huskies as a freshman. The guy’s got ice in his veins.
Back in high school at Centerville, Courville was a legend. He smashed school records with a 55-yard field goal and racked up 26 career field goals, earning all-state honors. Off the field, he’s no slouch either—Courville landed on the 2024 Academic All-MAC and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District teams. The kid’s got brains, heart, and a heck of a leg.
Why Ohio State? It’s Personal
When Courville hit the transfer portal on April 17, 2025, he wasn’t sure where he’d land. He thanked Ball State for an incredible ride but knew he wanted a bigger stage. Then Ohio State came calling. On April 24, he visited Columbus, and you can imagine the grin on his face walking into the Horseshoe. For a Dayton native, playing for the Buckeyes is like hitting the jackpot.
Ohio State needed a kicker like Courville. With Parker Lewis gone and Jayden Fielding holding down the starting spot, the Buckeyes wanted depth and competition. Coach Ryan Day doesn’t just add transfers for fun—he’s picky. “It has to be an upgrade,” he’s said. Courville’s resume screams upgrade: accuracy, long-range power, and a knack for delivering when the pressure’s on. Plus, he can handle kickoffs, which could take some heat off the rest of the special teams crew.
Coming Home to Chase a Dream
For Courville, this move is more than football—it’s personal. Growing up in Ohio, he’s no stranger to Buckeye fever. Now, he’s trading Muncie for Columbus, ready to compete for a starting job and make memories in front of 100,000 screaming fans. With two years of eligibility left, he’s got time to carve out a legacy.
Ohio State’s 2025 season is shaping up to be a big one. The Buckeyes kept their entire scholarship roster intact this spring, added a couple of key transfers like defensive end Beau Atkinson and offensive tackle Justin Terry, and now have Courville to strengthen the kicking game. Whether he’s splitting the uprights in a tight Big Ten battle or booming kickoffs in a playoff game, Courville’s ready to make an impact.
A New Chapter Begins
As Courville gets set to pull on that scarlet jersey, you can bet he’s feeling the weight—and the thrill—of this moment. From high school record-setter to MAC standout to Ohio State Buckeye, his journey’s been one heck of a ride. Fans are already imagining him lining up for a game-winner, the crowd holding its breath, and Courville doing what he does best: delivering.
Welcome to Columbus, Jackson. Buckeye Nation can’t wait to see you shine.
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