Beanie Wells has a solution to the lack of consistency coming from the running game.
The former Buckeye standout and first-team All-Big Ten performer is ready to see one player carry the load in the backfield and who he suggests shouldn't surprise anyone.
Beanie Wells says Ohio State needs to “turn the keys over to Bo Jackson”
— Woody (@woodyVSworld) September 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/Np92i5k6Bg
"The number one thing that I want to see is, turn the keys to the RB room over to Bo Jackson. I don't see any reason not to when the guy's phenomenal," Wells said to Cardale Jones on 'The Script' podcast. "I mean the kid can grind out those tough yards. We can see him make those explosive plays in which we've been used to seeing the past couple of years with Treveyon and Quinshon. Turn the keys over to him."
Jackson is the future, but is he the now?
Statistically, the running game has been effective for Ohio State this year. The group struggled in a defensive battle against Texas, but is averaging nearly 250 yards over the past two games against Grambling and Ohio. Jackson has led the way with 100-yard efforts in both games. The true freshman did not receive a carry against Texas, but leads the team with 217 yards on just 18 carries for a remarkable 12.1 yards per touch.
The RB competition thats happening at Ohio State has a clear front runner after this week.
— The Ballmanac (@The_Ballmanac) September 15, 2025
Bo Jackson is what Ohio State fans are used to seeing in the backfield. And honestly its not even really that close. pic.twitter.com/xdNYAACZta
It's that sort of explosive ability that Wells wants to lean on and believes that Jackson can handle it despite his age.
"I know he's young. I know sometimes you want to bring young guys along slowly, but every now and then, there is a young guy that's ready to play right now," Wells exclaimed. "Ready to help you win right now. And I think that's him."
In terms of workload, Jackson is third on the depth chart behind West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson and James Peoples. There's no question it's a talented group with the ability to break out chunk plays, but even CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli noticed that the group is struggling to control the game with consistent gains on the ground.
Again, these are good problems to have. Very few teams in the country are debating over which three immensely talented running backs are the most talented. And despite Wells' insistence, Jackson will likely continue to work in a committee with Donaldson and Peoples, although he may see an uptick in carries as the weeks move forward.