Ryan Day made it clear to Bo Jackson that the Ohio State running back is playing well in practice during fall camp. Day also sent a message to Jackson and RB coach Carlos Locklyn that Jackson's play last year was good, but clearly not good enough.
Jackson had a breakout season in 2025 as a freshman and amassed more than six yards per carry, but the physical running style he's displaying at practice wasn't on display last year. At least not enough, according to Day.
"The first thing is his reads, and the way he's hitting the hole has really shown up," Day said on Saturday. "I think he's doing a much better job at the second level. And we've talked about it before, either running over them or you’re running around and making them miss, and you're seeing that. It's showing up on film. It did not show up on film last year. We all know it.
"It’s just practice, so it doesn't matter until he puts it in the game, but if he continues to keep building and practicing and stacking these practices the way he's doing it, it's going to show up in the game. And that's going to be a big part of who we are this year. We felt like there was a lot of good there last year, but there was also a lot of football that we left on the field, and so (making defenders miss is) a big point of emphasis that so far, he's been responding to."
Ryan Day challenging Bo Jackson on several levels in fall camp
It's hard to be more direct than Day has been to Jackson during fall camp thus far. He gave Isaiah West, Ja'Kobi Jackson, and Legend Bey first-team reps while relegating Jackson to the second team the first week.
That seemed to be more of a challenge to Bo than anything. Day has since revealed that Bo, Ja'Kobi, and West are all standing out, while Bey is showing potential. Day didn't commit to claiming Bey looked ready just yet.
He's been clear that Bo has been good enough, but stressed that it was just practice and needs to translate. The second-team reps may have been more of a precaution, mostly for injury reasons after offseason shoulder surgery, but perhaps to light a fire under him as well.
Ryan Day testing Bo Jackson is bold, but could pay off either way
Day wants clarity on what Jackson is. At his best, he is someone who can be the lead back this year and next before going to the NFL. At worst, he's someone who maintains a still high level this fall, but still is not improving enough for Day's liking, and hits the portal after the season.
It's not as though there aren't enough options to soften that blow. If Jackson isn't what Day is looking for, he might not consider it as big of a loss as everyone else will.
Jackson is now on the spot. Answer the call, and he'll be a hero heading into year three in Columbus. If he doesn't, Day has guys in the room emerging who can fill the role instead.
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