In a commanding 37-9 victory over the Ohio Bobcats on September 14, 2025, Ohio State freshman running back Bo Jackson proved he’s more than just a name to watch—he’s the real deal. With an electrifying performance at Ohio Stadium, Jackson has all but cemented his place as the Buckeyes’ top running back (RB1), bringing a dynamic spark to an offense that’s gearing up for Big Ten play. Let’s dive into how Jackson’s standout game against Ohio solidified his role as Ohio State’s go-to guy in the backfield.
A Game-Changing Performance
Coming into the matchup against Ohio University, Ohio State’s rushing attack was still searching for its identity. The Buckeyes had leaned on a committee approach with running backs like CJ Donaldson and James Peoples, but no one had truly seized the RB1 mantle. That changed in a big way on Saturday night, as Jackson delivered a performance that left fans, coaches, and teammates buzzing.
Jackson racked up 109 yards on just nine carries, averaging an eye-popping 12.1 yards per carry. His highlight-reel moment came on a 64-yard run in the second half, where he showcased his elite vision, burst, and agility. Taking a handoff, Jackson hit a hole, split two linebackers, and hurdled a safety before racing toward midfield. Though the drive ended in a field goal, the play was a statement: Jackson is a home-run threat capable of turning any carry into a game-changer.
This wasn’t a one-off either. Jackson’s performance against Ohio followed a 108-yard, one-touchdown effort against Grambling State the previous week, making him the first Ohio State freshman running back since Dallan Hayden in 2022 to post back-to-back 100-yard games. Across these two nonconference games, Jackson has tallied 217 yards on 18 carries, averaging 12.1 yards per carry—a number that outshines the combined output of Donaldson (33 carries, 127 yards) and Peoples (25 carries, 110 yards).
What Sets Jackson Apart
What makes Bo Jackson special isn’t just his raw stats—it’s the way he plays. His explosive speed and instinctive vision allow him to exploit gaps and turn modest gains into chunk plays. Against Ohio, he repeatedly erased defenders’ angles, turning six yards of space into 11-yard gains with his ability to accelerate past the second level. His 64-yard scamper wasn’t just a big play; it was a momentum-shifter, coming right after Ohio’s 67-yard touchdown had cut Ohio State’s lead to four points. Jackson’s response put the Bobcats’ defense on its heels and sparked a 24-point unanswered run by the Buckeyes.
Beyond his speed, Jackson’s versatility adds another dimension to Ohio State’s offense. Against Grambling State, he lined up at receiver in two-back sets alongside Donaldson, showing he can be a weapon in the passing game or in creative formations. Head coach Ryan Day praised this big-play ability, noting, “Bo has some home-run hitting ability, which is a weapon for us, and we’ll figure out how that fits in moving forward.”
Teammates have taken notice, too. Star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith didn’t mince words after the game: “I’ve been saying it. Bo Jackson is that guy, and you’re gonna see more of that throughout the rest of the season.”
Overcoming the Red-Zone Woes
While Jackson’s performance was a bright spot, Ohio State’s offense wasn’t flawless. The Buckeyes struggled in the red zone, converting only two touchdowns on six trips inside Ohio’s 20-yard line. This inefficiency led to three field goals and a missed opportunity, leaving points on the board. Day acknowledged the issue postgame, saying, “We’ve got to coach it better, and we’ve got to execute better. Because if we’re not going to score touchdowns in the red zone, we put ourselves at risk.”
Interestingly, Jackson’s big-play style could be part of the solution. His ability to break off long runs means Ohio State might not need to grind out drives in the red zone as often. A single carry from Jackson can turn a first-and-10 at midfield into a first-and-goal—or better yet, a touchdown. As Ohio State prepares for tougher Big Ten opponents like Washington on September 27, Jackson’s knack for explosive plays could help offset the team’s red-zone struggles by reducing the need for sustained drives.
The Road Ahead
While Ryan Day hasn’t officially named Jackson the feature back, the numbers and tape make a compelling case. Jackson’s 217 yards and one touchdown through two games outpace the production of Donaldson and Peoples, despite having fewer carries. The Buckeyes’ rushing attack as a whole took a step forward against Ohio, averaging 7.3 yards per carry on 31 attempts, but it’s clear Jackson is the catalyst.
As Ohio State transitions to Big Ten play, Jackson’s role will likely grow. His ability to break games open will be crucial against stronger defenses, and his continued development could make him a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ offense. Day’s comments suggest a cautious optimism: “The more he plays, the more he’s going to learn. But you can see the vision and you can see the explosiveness.”
A Star in the Making
Bo Jackson, the Cleveland native and four-star recruit, arrived at Ohio State with high expectations as the No. 5 running back nationally in the 2025 class. His senior season at Villa Angela-St. Joseph was cut short, but he still managed 588 yards and 10 touchdowns in just four games. Now, as a true freshman, he’s living up to the hype.
With back-to-back 100-yard games and a flair for the spectacular, Jackson has emerged as Ohio State’s big-play threat in the backfield. His performance against Ohio wasn’t just a breakout—it was a declaration that he’s ready to lead the Buckeyes’ ground game. As Ohio State eyes a deep run in the Big Ten and beyond, Bo Jackson is proving he’s not just a running back—he’s the running back.
