Ohio State’s RB2 Battle Could Define the 2026 Offense Behind Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson is the clear bell cow heading into 2026, but if you’ve followed Ohio State football over the years, you know this: the Buckeyes are at their best when they’ve got a reliable one-two punch in the backfield. That’s why the battle for RB2 isn’t just a depth chart footnote-it’s one of the most pivotal position competitions of the offseason.
And it’s already taking on an interesting shape.
Both Bo Jackson and Isaiah West are expected to miss spring practice while recovering from shoulder surgeries. That opens the door for others to make an early impression, and it gives the coaching staff a longer look at the rest of the room. More reps, more chances to earn trust, and more clarity on who can complement Jackson when the real games begin.
Isaiah West: The Steady Hand Already in the Mix
Let’s start with Isaiah West. His case isn’t built on potential-it’s built on what he already did.
As a true freshman last season, West wasn’t just getting garbage-time carries. He earned real snaps down the stretch, finishing the year with 59 carries for 310 yards and two touchdowns.
That 5.3 yards per carry mark? That’s not just solid-it’s efficient, especially in a rotation role.
What that tells us is simple: the staff already trusts him. And when a young back gets meaningful touches late in the season, that’s about as strong a vote of confidence as you’ll get in this program.
Stylistically, West fits the role of a reliable counter to Bo Jackson’s explosive style. Jackson is the home-run hitter, the guy who can flip the field in one cut.
West, on the other hand, is the chain-mover. He keeps the offense on schedule, gives you consistent gains, and doesn’t force the scheme to shift when Jackson’s on the sideline.
If the plan is to keep Bo fresh and dangerous throughout the year, West might be the most natural complement.
Ja’Kobi Jackson: The Veteran With Power and Purpose
If West is the continuity play, Ja’Kobi Jackson is the curveball.
The Florida transfer arrived in January, and he brings something no one else in the room does: SEC experience and a physical, downhill running style that’s tailor-made for short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Back in 2024, he rushed for 509 yards and seven touchdowns for the Gators. An injury cut his 2025 season short, but his resume is still impressive-especially for a team that’s looking for a dependable closer in tough spots.
Ohio State’s RB2 isn’t just a breather back. It’s often the guy who comes in when it’s 3rd-and-2, when the offense is in the red zone, or when the defense is stacking the box and daring you to run.
That’s where Ja’Kobi Jackson could shine. He’s a thicker, more physical runner than the younger backs, and if he proves he can handle pass protection and make the right reads, he could carve out a valuable niche.
In a room that skews young behind Bo and West, having a veteran with a defined skill set could be a weekly asset-especially in November and beyond.
The Speed Element: Rogers and Bey Add Flavor
Then there’s the wildcard element.
Anthony “Turbo” Rogers is a redshirt freshman who brings a different kind of juice. He’s a space player-someone who can be dangerous on designed touches, swing passes, and misdirection looks. He may not be a traditional RB2, but he’s the kind of player who can stretch a defense and force coordinators to account for speed on the edges.
And keep an eye on freshman Legend Bey. He’s been talked about as a chess piece-an athlete who might not get a heavy workload early, but could be deployed in specific packages to add a burst of speed and unpredictability.
Neither Rogers nor Bey may factor into the RB2 race in the traditional sense, but they’re the kind of players who can still impact the backfield rotation-and the way defenses prepare for it.
The Bigger Picture: Identity, Not Just Depth
This RB2 battle isn’t just about who gets the second-most carries. It’s about how Ohio State builds its offensive identity behind Bo Jackson.
Isaiah West gives the Buckeyes a seamless transition when Jackson needs a break. He’s already earned trust, and his efficiency suggests the offense can stay in rhythm with him on the field.
Ja’Kobi Jackson, meanwhile, brings a different gear-a short-yardage hammer who can finish drives and wear down defenses. That kind of role doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it can win you games in the trenches.
And with Rogers and Bey offering situational speed, the Buckeyes have options to mix and match based on game flow, opponent, and personnel groupings.
Bottom line: RB2 at Ohio State isn’t a backup job. It’s a critical piece of the offensive puzzle, especially in a season where durability, versatility, and balance will be key. Whoever claims that role won’t just be spelling Bo Jackson-they’ll be helping define how far this offense can go.