Ohio State is not overjoyed with many aspects of its roster in 2026, but Ryan Day has had a particular problem with the running back position.
Most notably, Bo Jackson and Isaiah West have underperformed to varying degrees.
After a strong fall camp, West has disappointed mightily, owning a game-high of 27 yards on five carries in Week 1 against Ball State.
Bo has been solid, especially in keeping the chains moving against a tough Texas defensive front, but he hasn't looked like the best running back in the Big Ten through three weeks, as was advertised in the offseason. Jackson ranks No. 9 in the conference after having sky-high expectations coming into the season.
Ja'Kobi Jackson beating Bo Jackson and Isaiah West in effort department
Day admitted that he is more impressed with what Florida transfer Ja'Kobi Jackson has brought to the table than what Bo and West have.
“We all know what Bo and Isaiah can do, so we need to see those guys really run angry,” Day said. “That’s the bottom line. I thought they were just OK in the game. I thought Ja’Kobi ran harder. That’s just the facts.
“The challenge is out to run really angry.”
Ja'Kobi has become a top goal-line option because of that anger. He leads the team with four touchdowns, and his 7.1 yards per carry is over a yard better than Bo's. The veteran has clearly earned Day's trust, which could result in more carries.
What helps is that Arthur Smith's offense favors gritty, physical backs like Ja'Kobi. This is Jackson's last year of eligibility. He's clearly making the most of it.
Day favoring Ja'Kobi Jackson could be a bad sign for the rest of the room
Bo, West, and Legend Bey will all have the Buckeye pay bump waiting for them this offseason, and Ohio State won't be the only team offering them. While Bey left the first half of the Kent State game with an injury, he has been in and out of the doghouse all year.
If Day is in love with Ja'Kobi's running and it costs the other three snaps, that's not good for the long-term outlook at the position. Well, it's not good for the current roster, anyway.
Jackson catching on so quickly could be another sign that the transfer portal is a viable option for every offensive skill position.
Day had luck bringing in Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss in 2024, not to mention Will Howard from Kansas State at the quarterback position the same year. Day is currently enjoying the transfer addition of ex-UTSA Roadrunner Devin McCuin in his receiving corps. Last year, tight end Max Klare was a one-year wonder coming from Purdue.
Ohio State needs results, and Day clearly doesn't care where it comes from.
Let's hope the Ja'Kobi praise lights a fire under Bo and West. If it doesn't, it's not a stretch to wonder if either or both are playing their last season in Scarlet and Gray this fall.
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