The Ohio State Buckeyes are no strangers to the College Football Playoff spotlight, and in 2025, they punched their ticket for the second straight year. A big reason for that return? Running back Bo Jackson - and no, not that Bo Jackson, but a rising star in his own right who’s quickly building a name for himself in Columbus.
Let’s get this out of the way early: Ohio State’s Bo Jackson isn’t related to the legendary two-sport athlete who starred for Auburn, the Raiders, and the Royals. He just happens to share the same iconic name - and, fittingly, some serious athletic chops of his own.
Who is Ohio State’s Bo Jackson?
Born Lamar Jackson Jr., Ohio State’s standout back goes by “Bo,” a nickname his father gave him as a tribute to the original Bo Jackson. According to reports, the nickname stuck from an early age - and it’s not hard to see why. It’s short, punchy, and, as his father once said, it rolls off the tongue a bit easier than “Lamar Jr.”
But don’t let the nickname fool you - this Bo Jackson is carving his own path. A Cleveland native, he starred at Villa Angela-St.
Joseph, a Catholic prep school perched on the shores of Lake Erie. And just like the Bo Jackson of old, Ohio State’s version is a multi-sport athlete with elite-level speed and explosiveness.
A Star in the Making
On the football field, Jackson was one of the most highly touted running back prospects in the country coming out of high school. The 247Sports Composite ranked him as the No. 10 running back in the 2025 class and the sixth-best overall prospect from Ohio. He had offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon - but ultimately chose to stay home and suit up for the Buckeyes.
That decision has paid off in a big way. Jackson broke the 1,000-yard mark this season with ease, becoming a key piece in Ohio State’s offensive puzzle. His blend of vision, burst, and physicality has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a dream for Buckeye fans.
More Than Just a Football Player
What makes Jackson’s rise even more impressive is that football isn’t his only game. He was a standout in both baseball and track during his high school days.
According to MaxPreps, he led the Cleveland area with a staggering .542 batting average on the diamond last spring. On the track, he wasn’t just fast - he was record-breaking.
As a sophomore, he set school records in both the 100- and 200-meter sprints and earned state-level recognition as a sprinter.
That kind of athletic versatility is rare, and it echoes the legacy of the original Bo Jackson - a man who could hit home runs one day and break tackles the next. While Ohio State’s Bo may not be playing two sports at the college level, his dynamic skill set is a big reason why the Buckeyes are back in the playoff hunt.
No Relation to That Lamar Jackson, Either
And just to clear up another common question - no, Bo Jackson isn’t related to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. His father’s name is Lamar Jackson, but there’s no family tie to the NFL MVP. Jackson is, after all, the 23rd most common surname in the United States - so these name overlaps are bound to happen.
Still, it’s hard not to smile at the coincidence. A kid named Bo Jackson, son of Lamar Jackson, tearing it up for Ohio State? That’s the kind of story college football was made for.
As the Buckeyes prepare for another shot at the national title, Jackson’s emergence as a game-changing backfield weapon gives them a serious edge. He’s not just living up to a legendary name - he’s starting to build a legacy of his own.