Last season, the Ohio State football program didn't have a definitive starter at the running back position to start the year. After TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins headed to the NFL, the Buckeyes used a running back by committee approach. CJ Donaldson was the starter to begin the year.
Before long, Bo Jackson emerged as the right guy to start at the running back spot. Right after a strong game against Ohio, it was clear that he needed to become the featured back. He finished his freshman season with 1,090 yards and six touchdown runs.
Heading into 2026, Jackson is the undisputed starter. While he underwent surgery right after the Cotton Bowl, he will be ready to go for the start of the year. Now that he's firmly established himself as the lead back, he's ready to break out in Arthur Smith's new offensive system.
Ohio State RB Bo Jackson is ready to have a big year
Jackson will be running behind a very experienced offensive line. Four out of the five starters return from a year ago, and they are the four best ones. Tegra Tshabola was forced out and is now at Kentucky. Jackson should be able to run for more yards now that the offensive line has experience.
Add in the fact that a lot of teams will be focused on stopping Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith in the passing game, and Jackson will have plenty of opportunities to gobble up yards. His breakaway speed means that any time he gets the ball, he has a chance to take it to the house.
Smith's system was very run-heavy in the NFL, which could also benefit Jackson's output as a back. Smith is able to scheme up holes that make it easier for offensive linemen to block, which should allow Jackson to find more yards. He's a tough runner, too.
The Ohio State football team will become a more ground-based team
While the Ohio State Buckeyes have the best receiver in the country, they will still run the ball more often next season with Smith calling the plays. Ryan Day's best teams have been the ones that can gain as many yards on the ground as they can through the air.
While Day loves to sling it through the air, he knows the value of running the ball effectively. That's part of the reason why Day brought in Smith. He knows that Smith can help change the running game for the better. Jackson isn't the only one who will benefit from that, either.
Ohio State is going to be one of the scariest teams in the country offensively in 2026. This is a good enough offense to win it all, especially with Sayin leading the way. He was a Heisman Finalist a year ago, and he might be the best returning quarterback in the country.
If Ohio State has an elite defense as it did last year under Matt Patricia, then this team has a real shot to win a national championship.
Add us as a preferred source on Google