In a significant recruiting win for Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes, the program has officially secured a verbal commitment from one of the top running backs in the class of 2025 — four-star prospect Bo Jackson, an explosive and versatile athlete from Cleveland (OH) Villa Angela-St. Joseph. Standing at 6-foot, 205 pounds, Jackson is a dynamic runner with home-run speed, elite agility, and the kind of vision that has made him a coveted player across the country. With this commitment, Ohio State not only strengthens its 2025 recruiting class but also reinforces its reputation as a breeding ground for NFL-caliber running backs.
Let’s take a comprehensive look at Jackson’s profile, what his commitment means for Ohio State’s future, and how the Buckeyes plan to build their backfield around him.
A Star on the Rise: Who is Bo Jackson?
Bo Jackson is not just a name that echoes legendary sports greatness — he’s creating a legacy of his own. Ranked as the No. 8 running back nationally and a top-five player in Ohio, Jackson has been a standout on the field since his freshman season. What separates him from other backs in the class is his combination of speed, power, and versatility.
In 2023, as a junior, Jackson rushed for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 300 receiving yards and another 4 scores. He earned All-State honors and solidified himself as one of the most complete backs in the Midwest. College scouts have long raved about his acceleration, ability to change direction in tight spaces, and toughness through contact.
He chose Ohio State over several powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Penn State, Michigan, Georgia, and Notre Dame. His commitment adds another layer of depth to a Buckeye backfield that has been rich with talent but also in transition since the departure of TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams.
Why Ohio State?
Jackson’s decision to commit to Ohio State was heavily influenced by the program’s tradition at the position, the coaching staff’s investment in his development, and his strong ties to the state.
“It’s a dream come true,” Jackson said in his announcement. “Growing up in Ohio, watching Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins, and now guys like TreVeyon Henderson — it made me want to wear the Scarlet and Gray one day.”
The Buckeyes’ pursuit of Jackson was led by running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, who has emerged as a dynamic recruiter and player developer. Locklyn made Jackson a top priority early in the 2025 cycle, and their relationship proved pivotal.
Ryan Day, who has reshaped the Buckeyes into a consistent national contender, personally made multiple visits and pitches to Jackson and his family. “Coach Day made me feel like a major part of the future,” Jackson said. “They didn’t just recruit me as a player — they recruited me as a leader.”
The Fit: Bo Jackson’s Role in the Buckeyes’ Offense
Ohio State’s offensive system is ideally suited for a running back like Jackson. With a balanced pro-spread approach that emphasizes quick reads, run-pass options, and outside zone schemes, the Buckeyes have used their offensive line and tight ends to consistently create lanes for explosive plays on the ground.
Jackson’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield, line up in the slot, and be a weapon in space makes him a versatile piece in Ryan Day’s evolving offense. He can serve as a three-down back, which is a rarity at the college level today. His skill set is reminiscent of players like Dobbins and Curtis Samuel — athletes who could take a handoff, catch a swing pass, or split out wide and beat defenders one-on-one.
With TreVeyon Henderson expected to enter the NFL after the 2024 season, the Buckeyes are looking at Jackson as a potential starter as early as his freshman or redshirt freshman year, depending on how the current depth chart evolves.
Roster Impact and the Running Back Room
Bo Jackson joins a backfield that will include several young, talented players by the time he arrives in Columbus in 2025. The current group features:
- Dallan Hayden (expected to be a junior or senior)
- Quinshon Judkins (transfer from Ole Miss, depending on NFL decision)
- James Peoples (2024 freshman)
- Sam Williams-Dixon (2024 freshman)
Jackson brings an instant injection of elite ability. If the running back rotation is in flux after the 2024 season due to graduation or draft declarations, Jackson could be in a prime position to contribute immediately.
Depth and durability have become top concerns for any elite program. Ohio State’s offense has occasionally struggled with a lack of healthy backs during postseason play, and Jackson’s addition ensures that the Buckeyes remain stacked with ready contributors in the years ahead.
Recruiting Momentum in the 2025 Class
Jackson becomes the 10th verbal commitment in what’s shaping up to be another top-5 recruiting class for Ohio State. He joins other standouts like:
- Devin Sanchez, five-star CB from Texas
- Zahir Mathis, four-star EDGE from Pennsylvania
- Blake Woodby, four-star CB from Maryland
- Nate Roberts, four-star TE from Oklahoma
Ohio State is not only winning in its backyard but continuing to show national reach and appeal. Jackson’s pledge gives the Buckeyes an elite offensive centerpiece, and it’s already helping to influence other skill players.
Wide receivers, quarterbacks, and offensive linemen around the country have taken notice of Jackson’s commitment. According to several recruiting insiders, his verbal pledge has the potential to create a ripple effect, especially among top targets like:
- Tavien St. Clair, four-star QB from Ohio
- Winston Watkins Jr., four-star WR from Florida
- Solomon Thomas, five-star OT from Georgia
Reaction from Experts and Coaches
Recruiting analysts across the country praised the commitment. 247Sports National Analyst Allen Trieu stated:
“Bo Jackson is the kind of back that could be an All-American before he’s done. He runs with power, but his ability to create in space is what separates him from the pack. He fits what Ohio State does on offense to perfection.”
Carlos Locklyn also released a statement on social media:
“Bo is a game-changer. He’s mature beyond his years, hungry to learn, and he runs with that fire every great back needs. Excited for what’s ahead.”
Ryan Day echoed similar sentiments, sharing his excitement at a press conference:
“Bo is a special young man — on and off the field. When you watch the tape, sure, you see the talent. But when you get to know him, you understand why he’s going to be a cornerstone of this program.”
The Legacy and Name Factor
The name “Bo Jackson” will always carry weight in American sports, and while this young man shares a name with the legendary two-sport athlete, he is building his own identity. Already a fan favorite in Ohio, Jackson has drawn media attention for his name, but coaches and scouts emphasize that he’s earned his ranking on merit.
He’s handled the spotlight with humility, often redirecting praise toward his offensive line and coaches. “I don’t play for the name,” Jackson told a local reporter last fall. “I play for my team, my family, and my future. I want to be remembered as someone who gave everything on every snap.”
What’s Next?
While Jackson’s commitment is a major boost, the work is far from done for Ohio State’s 2025 class. The Buckeyes are expected to pursue a second running back in the cycle, likely targeting a complementary style player — a speedster or pass-catching specialist to pair with Jackson’s balanced attack.
In the meantime, Jackson will continue to focus on his senior season at Villa Angela-St. Joseph, where he hopes to lead his team to a state championship and cement his status as one of the best high school backs in America.
He also plans to return to Columbus for multiple visits over the next year to help recruit other top talent.
Final Thoughts
Bo Jackson’s verbal pledge to Ohio State is not just another recruiting victory — it’s a statement of intent. The Buckeyes are determined to remain at the top of the college football hierarchy, and that begins by securing elite, in-state talent with the tools to be difference-makers on Saturdays and eventually Sundays.
Jackson is a player who could become a household name in Columbus for years to come. He has all the tools, the attitude, and the work ethic to be the next great Ohio State running back. For now, Buckeye Nation celebrates a big-time addition to the backfield — one that could help define the next era of Ohio State football.