Ranking Ohio State's 2025 Playmakers: No. 9 RB Bo Jackson

Bo Jackson is a true freshman running back for the Buckeyes. He was ranked the No. 10 running back prospect in the 2025 recruiting class and the No. 161 player in the class overall.

No. 9 – Bo Jackson – Freshman Running Back

As would be expected, Bo Jackson was a very productive running back in high school when he was healthy. He missed most of his senior season with a knee injury, but rushed for 588 yards in just four games.

Jackson rushed for nearly 1,700 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior. He took official visits to Ohio State and Georgia, and was always a top target for the Buckeyes in the 2025 recruiting class.

Statistical History

Nothing yet, but the season starts next month.

What He Does Well

Bo Jackson is a great combination of size (6-0 220) and speed, but he is more than just a fast guy who can put his head down and pick up an extra couple of yards. That being said, he can certainly cut it outside and beat defenders to the corner. Don’t expect him to be caught from behind when he breaks into the open.

Jackson does a good job of using all of his physical abilities. He is comfortable between the tackles and isn’t always looking to kick it outside. Jackson has the vision and balance necessary to pick through the mess of the line of scrimmage. He can then use that balance and momentum to fall forward for extra yardage.

The clips below are from June of 2023. You can see Jackson’s quickness and balance. He is also a tough cover in the passing game.

Here's a look at newest Ohio State RB commit Bo Jackson from one of last year's June camps. pic.twitter.com/6iD5Wik4gY
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) June 5, 2024

Bo Jackson In 2025

Bo Jackson will battle redshirt freshman Sam Williams-Dixon to be the Buckeyes’ No. 3 running back this year behind presumed sophomore starter James Peoples and senior transfer CJ Donaldson. Right now, it’s tough to bet against Jackson given his spring performance and overall skill set. Williams-Dixon isn’t going to just hand the job over, however, so Jackson will definitely have to earn it.

Assuming Bo Jackson “wins the job” as the Buckeyes’ No. 3 tailback, there won’t be a ton of carries for him this year. James Peoples was the No. 3 guy last year and carried the ball 49 times. When the Ohio State backfield has been healthy over the course of a season, 40-50 touches is about all a third running back can expect. And the vast majority of those touches are going to happen in the fourth quarter of a blowout while running straight into the face of an expectant defensive line.

Still, Jackson has the kind of ability to do something special with limited touches against a frustrated defense.

What They Are Saying

“You look at Bo Jackson, man, he’s got size. I think he’s right now six foot, 220, speed. He’s got gifts only God can give him. So you see the potential of what he could be. Now he’s gonna have to work and compete, but I’m excited about him.” — Ohio State running backs coach Carlos Locklyn on Bo Jackson.