Ohio State football program has a new star emerge in win over the Bobcats

While the Buckeyes struggled on offense at some points, they had a new star emerge in the victory over Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) stiff arms Ohio Bobcats cornerback Michael Mack II (9) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) stiff arms Ohio Bobcats cornerback Michael Mack II (9) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Ohio State football program was able to get a victory over the Ohio Bobcats 37-9. It was a game that saw the Buckeyes struggle to score in the red zone, but they were able to dominate the game for the most part. Defensively, they continue to be as good as anyone in the country.

Offensively, the Buckeyes were able to put up a ton of yards, even if that didn't translate into touchdowns all of the time. Running the ball was a concern coming into this game because they hadn't been able to do that at a high clip before this game against the Bobcats.

James Peoples just hasn't popped as a running back this season. He only got seven carries against Ohio on Saturday night. CJ Donaldson has had his moments, but he isn't very explosive. A new star emerged from the backfield on Saturday night who might be the team's best running back.

Ohio State running back Bo Jackson breaks out with a massive performance

Freshman running back Bo Jackson might be the best running back the Buckeyes have. At the very least, he is the most explosive running back on the roster. He finished with nine carries for 109 yards. Last week against Grambling State, he had nine carries for 108 yards and a touchdown.

Jackson is really good at being able to take runs and turn them into huge gains, even when there doesn't seem to be anything there. He seems to be the fastest running back in the rotation right now, and he also showed some power against the Bobcats, as well.

A performance like this might force Ryan Day and the coaching staff to put him in the starting lineup. He is someone who needs to get more carries moving forward now that the Ohio State Buckeyes will be starting Big Ten play. They are a team that needs to run the ball efficiently in order to win it all.

Jackson could be the best running back on the team. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being the bell-cow by the time the season is over.