Ohio State’s Spring Backfield Takes a Hit - But Opportunity Awaits
Ohio State’s running back room was one of the crown jewels of its 2025 recruiting class - so much so that the Buckeyes felt confident letting James Peoples head to Penn State via the transfer portal, even with veteran CJ Donaldson out of eligibility. But this spring, that depth is going to be tested in a big way.
Head coach Ryan Day confirmed Friday that both Bo Jackson and Isaiah West will miss spring practice as they recover from shoulder surgeries. That’s a significant blow to a backfield that was already undergoing a transition, and it leaves Ohio State heading into spring ball without its top five rushers from last season.
Let’s break that down: Donaldson is off to chase his NFL dreams. Peoples is now in Happy Valley.
Backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholz - who added value as a runner - is at Louisville. And now, with Jackson and West sidelined, the Buckeyes are turning to a group of largely untested backs to carry the load during spring reps.
The Bo & West Show on Pause
Bo Jackson emerged as the Buckeyes’ lead back last season, overtaking both Donaldson and Peoples on the depth chart. He racked up 1,090 yards and six touchdowns on 179 carries - a breakout campaign that showed why he was one of the most coveted four-star backs in the 2025 class.
Isaiah West, a three-star recruit from that same class, played a solid complementary role, contributing 310 yards and two scores on 59 carries. Both were expected to be the 1-2 punch in the backfield heading into next season. That plan is still intact - assuming both recover on schedule - but for now, the Buckeyes will have to get through spring without them.
Ja’Kobi Jackson Steps Into the Spotlight
The absence of Jackson and West opens the door for Florida transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson to get a heavy dose of work this spring. Jackson arrives in Columbus with two years of SEC experience under his belt, totaling 607 yards and seven touchdowns during his time at Florida. He was mostly a rotational piece in 2025, logging just 27 carries as Jadan Baugh took control of the Gators’ backfield.
Still, Jackson brings a mix of experience and upside that should serve him well this spring. This is his chance to carve out a role before the room gets crowded again in the fall.
Time to See What ‘Turbo’ Can Do
Another name to watch is Anthony “Turbo” Rogers - the highest-rated back in Ryan Day’s 2025 class. Rogers redshirted last season and didn’t log a single carry, but that’s about to change. The spring will be his first real opportunity to show what he can do in a live setting, and with his speed and vision, he could quickly become a fan favorite if he flashes in practice.
Rogers has the kind of burst that jumps off the screen, and while he’s still developing as a complete back, the reps he’ll get this spring could accelerate that growth in a big way.
A Local Talent Gets His Shot
Don’t sleep on Favour Akih, either. The four-star freshman out of Delaware, Ohio, was the 21st-ranked running back in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports Composite. He’s the lone RB signee in this year’s recruiting class - a reflection of how confident the staff was in last year’s haul.
Akih is raw, but he’s got tools. With Jackson and West sidelined, he’ll get a trial by fire this spring, and that could pay dividends down the road. Whether he’s ready to contribute in the fall remains to be seen, but getting early reps can only help.
Silver Linings and Spring Priorities
Injuries are never ideal - especially to two players expected to carry the offense - but there’s a silver lining here for Ohio State. Spring football is all about development, and with Jackson and West out, the Buckeyes will get an extended look at their next wave of backs.
Ja’Kobi Jackson, Turbo Rogers, and Favour Akih now have a golden opportunity to earn trust, build chemistry, and make their case for playing time in the fall. And if Jackson or West aren’t 100% by the start of the season, Ohio State might already have their insurance policy in-house.
The Buckeyes’ backfield might be bruised, but it’s far from broken. Spring ball just became a proving ground - and that could make all the difference come September.