Last season, Bo Jackson emerged as the clear starter at running back for Ohio State once the non-conference slate was finished. He was the one who showed the most burst, so he was the guy who got the most carries. By the end of the year, he finished with 1,090 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Jackson was expected to be the starter again this season. He was not healthy in the spring and had to undergo offseason surgery. His backup, Isaiah West, did too. Now, it looks like West is getting more first-team reps than expected. That begs the question: is there a running back controversy?
Isaiah West is getting first-team reps for the Buckeyes in practice
West is getting first-team reps at practice for the second practice in a row. Jackson was running with the second team, which is surprising. Last season, West had 310 yards and two touchdowns as one of Jackson's backups. CJ Donaldson was also getting reps.
Legend Bey is at practice today. He is working with the first team behind Isaiah West and Ja’kobi Jackson
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) August 8, 2026
Bo Jackson is with the second team again today. pic.twitter.com/fd6ucaSiRt
What's even more surprising about reports from practice is that Jackson was getting reps behind transfer back Ja'Kobi Jackson. Jackson and West were both splitting first-team reps. This is the second time in practice that Jackson has gotten second-team reps.
Jackson seems to be healthy, so this doesn't seem to be anything that is injury-related. Of course, the Buckeyes might just want to get West as many reps as possible because he was also out in the spring because of an injury. The coaching staff could just want him to get back into the groove as much as possible.
Ohio State will be focusing more on the run now that Arthur Smith is running the show on offense. All of the offenses he has run in the NFL have been more centered on the run. That could be the answer as to why so many different backs are getting first-team reps this early in practice.
Bo Jackson should still start for the Ohio State Buckeyes
Based on what he did a year ago, Jackson should still be the main back for the Buckeyes. Jackson averaged 6.1 yards per carry and seemed to get stronger at the end of the year. In the last three regular-season games, Jackson had over 100 yards rushing in each game.
Jackson has the breakaway burst that West doesn't possess, so that's another reason why he should be the main guy in the backfield. Of course, all three of Jackson, West, and Ja'Kobi Jackson will get plenty of snaps this season. Ryan Day wants to keep all of the running backs fresh.
Ohio State is going to lean on the running back a lot early on in the season. In the first two games against Ball State and Texas, they will want to establish the run. Opening up massive holes in Week 1 against the Cardinals will give them some confidence that they can do it against the Longhorns.
The Buckeyes will have some new run plays in the playbook with Smith, which should also help each running back have more success.
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