What Happened to Bo Jackson (Ohio State Running Back)?

The recruitment and subsequent career of Bo Jackson at Ohio State pertains to the highly-rated running back from Cleveland, Ohio, not the legendary multi-sport athlete of the same name. This Bo Jackson, whose birth name is Lamar Jackson Jr., adopted the nickname 'Bo' at a young age as a direct nod to the iconic former MLB and NFL star.

Jackson, a four-star prospect, was a top target for several prominent college football programs. After official visits to Georgia, Ohio State, and Alabama, he announced his commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes on June 4, 2024, for the 2025 recruiting class. This commitment marked a significant win for Ohio State, particularly for then-new running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, who had previously recruited Jackson while at Oregon. Jackson was ranked as a top-five running back nationally and a top-five prospect in Ohio.

Upon arriving in Columbus for the 2025 season, Jackson quickly made an impact. Despite initially being projected as the third-string running back, he impressed during fall camp and seized the starting role just four games into his true freshman season. He concluded his freshman year with 1,090 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 179 carries, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per attempt.

The offseason leading into the 2026 season saw Jackson at the center of significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) discussions. Reports in January 2026 indicated that Jackson was seeking a substantial NIL deal, with some suggesting the requested amount would surpass previous running back salaries at Ohio State and even rival NFL rookie contracts. This situation led to speculation about his potential entry into the transfer portal. However, Jackson publicly affirmed his commitment to Ohio State, stating in April 2026 that Columbus is 'where I want to be' and that he was focused on becoming more explosive for his sophomore year.

Ohio State's commitment to Jackson was further underscored in July 2026 when the program reportedly chose to prioritize the stability of its existing running back room, including Jackson, over pursuing another high-profile recruit who ultimately committed elsewhere. This decision highlighted the trust the coaching staff placed in Jackson's future role as a centerpiece of the offense.

As of the current 2026 season, Bo Jackson is a sophomore and a vital part of the Ohio State offense. He was named to the 2026 Doak Walker Award preseason watch list in August 2026, an award recognizing the nation's most outstanding college football running back. In the opening week of the 2026 season, on September 5, 2026, Jackson showcased his talent with a 65-yard touchdown run against Ball State, demonstrating his continued impact on the field.