The Ohio State football program lost a lot of talent from the 2025 team to the Transfer Portal. More than 30 players ended up leaving the team after the loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl. It was more players than the Buckeyes have lost in any single offseason before.
While they were able to replenish some of the talent that they lost, the running back position was hit especially hard. They lost three guys from that room heading into next season. However, the Ohio State Buckeyes have their top two guys out for spring ball because of injury.
Bo Jackson, the starter, is out after having offseason surgery. Isaiah West, the back who emerged as the backup, is also out for spring ball because of an injury. With that being the case, who will end up taking the first-team reps during spring practice and the Spring Game?
The leading candidate to take first-team RB reps in the spring
With both Jackson and West out, the door is open for another running back to make a huge impression. Turbo Rogers has the best chance of any back who was on the roster last season, although he might be regretting not transferring. He's still behind both Jackson and West on the depth chart.
Jackson might end up being behind Ja'Kobi Jackson, who transferred in from Florida. He is the only one with any experience who is healthy coming into spring. Legend Bey has a shot to earn a lot of snaps as a true freshman, as he comes in as a four-star recruit.
No matter who ends up getting the snaps, they won't be the starter when the season starts. Jackson is the entrenched starter, even if he has the shoulder problem. He should be fully healthy by the time the Fall rolls around. West might have a shot to get jumped as the backup, though.
This is a great opportunity for whoever ends up getting those snaps.