Bo Jackson’s Breakout Season Shows He’s Built for the Buckeye Backfield
Ohio State has never been short on talent in the backfield. From Archie Griffin to Eddie George to J.K.
Dobbins, the Buckeyes have a long tradition of running backs who blend toughness, vision, and efficiency. But even in a program known for producing elite ball carriers, it’s rare for a true freshman to walk in, take over, and never look back.
That’s exactly what Bo Jackson did in 2025.
When the season kicked off, Jackson shared the workload with CJ Donaldson in what looked like a classic committee approach. But as the games rolled on, Jackson’s role grew - not because of one flashy breakout game, but because of how steady and reliable he was every single week. His 168 carries for 1,035 yards and five touchdowns tell the story of a player who earned the coaching staff’s trust the hard way: by showing up, running hard, and making the most of every opportunity.
What’s made Jackson stand out isn’t just his production - it’s how he gets those yards. He runs with a blend of patience and power that’s rare in a freshman.
He waits for blocks to develop, then hits the hole with purpose. He finishes runs through contact.
And maybe most importantly, he keeps the offense on schedule - a key trait in a system built around rhythm and balance.
This isn’t a back who needs 60-yard highlight runs to make his presence felt. Jackson’s impact has been about consistency - the kind that wears down defenses and opens up the playbook for everything else. He’s been the steady hand in the backfield, a tone-setter who gives Ohio State the kind of offensive balance championship teams are built on.
And that’s what makes Jackson such a natural fit in the Buckeye lineage. Ohio State backs have always been more than just stat machines - they’ve been foundational pieces of the team’s identity.
Griffin brought relentless consistency. George punished defenders with power.
Dobbins combined speed and vision. Jackson, even as a freshman, already carries some of those same traits.
He doesn’t just run the ball - he plays the position with a maturity and poise that belies his age.
He may not yet have that one signature moment - the kind of play that gets replayed in montages and remembered for decades - but the foundation is there. His presence has brought stability to the offense and given the Buckeyes a dependable option to lean on, especially when the passing game needs a breather or the defense needs a long drive to catch its breath.
A Future Defined by Impact, Not Just Numbers
It’s unlikely Jackson will chase down Ohio State’s all-time rushing records. And that’s not a knock on his ability - it’s just the reality of modern college football.
The best backs don’t stick around for four years anymore. If Jackson continues on this trajectory, he’s headed for the NFL after three seasons, like so many elite talents before him.
But records aren’t the only way legacies are built in Columbus. What matters most is production in big games, consistency over multiple seasons, and being a key part of championship-caliber teams. Jackson is already checking those boxes, and he’s just getting started.
If this freshman campaign is any indication, Bo Jackson isn’t just the next man up - he’s already part of the standard. The Buckeyes don’t hand out that kind of respect easily.
You earn it - one carry, one drive, one game at a time. And Jackson?
He’s earning it every Saturday.