As the college football offseason unfolds, Ohio State's roster is undergoing its usual transformation. With the departure of four offensive starters and eight defensive stalwarts, the Buckeyes are gearing up to look quite different when they hit the field in early September 2026.
Despite these changes, Ohio State remains poised to be one of the most talented teams in the nation, thanks to the recruiting prowess of head coach Ryan Day and his staff. Whether through high school signings or savvy transfer portal moves, the Buckeyes are once again in the mix for Big Ten and national title contention.
Among the top players to watch is running back Bo Jackson, who checks in at No. 4 on our countdown of key Buckeyes for the upcoming season.
Bo Jackson's Journey So Far
Jackson's arrival at Ohio State was perfectly timed. With the departure of standout running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, Jackson, a Cleveland native, found himself with an opportunity to shine early.
A four-star recruit from Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, Jackson was ranked as the No. 11 running back in the 2025 class by 247Sports.
He chose Ohio State over heavyweights Alabama and Georgia, committing to the Scarlet and Gray in June 2024.
Initially, Jackson was buried on the depth chart behind sophomore James Peoples and West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson. He didn't see action in the season opener against Texas but made a statement with 108 yards and a touchdown in the blowout win over Grambling State.
The following week, he rushed for 109 yards in a victory over Ohio. These performances, coupled with struggles from his fellow backs, opened the door for Jackson to earn the starting role by the fifth game against Minnesota.
Jackson wrapped up his freshman year with an impressive 1,090 rushing yards, becoming just the fifth true freshman in Ohio State history to surpass the 1,000-yard mark. He also scored six touchdowns on 179 carries, cementing his place in the Buckeyes' backfield.
Looking Ahead to 2026
There was a brief offseason moment when Jackson's return to Ohio State was uncertain. However, an agreement was reached, ensuring the talented running back would don the Scarlet and Gray for his sophomore season. This is a significant boost for the Buckeyes, who are eager to see Jackson build on his stellar debut year.
Standing at 6-foot and weighing 217 pounds, Jackson combines size and strength with impressive speed, as evidenced by several long runs last season. However, he knows there's room for improvement, particularly against tougher defenses where he occasionally got tripped up before breaking free.
Jackson's early experience will be invaluable as he aims to maintain his status as a 1,000-yard rusher. While he might share more of the workload this season with returning classmate Isaiah West and transfer addition Ja'Kobi Jackson, Jackson is expected to be the starter. Redshirt freshman Anthony "Turbo" Rogers, along with Legend Bey and Favour Akih, are also in the mix for carries.
As Ohio State gears up for another championship run, all eyes will be on Jackson to see if he can deliver another standout season for the Buckeyes.