Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes were expected to be a top-tier national championship contender this season heading into the College Football Playoff.
Unfortunately, the team lasted one game in the playoff. Ohio State was defeated by the Miami Hurricanes right off the bat, ending the Buckeyes’ season.
Following that loss, Ohio State has seen quite a few players leave in the transfer portal. However, on Saturday morning, some huge news came out about one of the Buckeyes’ top offensive playmakers.
According to a report from Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, freshman running back Bo Jackson has decided to return to Ohio State for the 2026 season.
“Ohio State True Freshman All-American RB Bo Jackson plans to return to Ohio State for the 2026 season, sources tell @mzenitz and I for @CBSSports,” Hummer wrote on X.
As college football players have flocked to the transfer portal, there had been some concern about Jackson garnering heavy interest. That scenario has been avoided with this news.
Bo Jackson Broke Out as a Freshman Star for the Ohio State Buckeyes
At the start of the season, C.J. Donaldson appeared to be the team’s primary running back. Jackson was quickly able to take over that role from the veteran.
When all was said and done for his freshman season, Jackson carried the football 179 times for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry, while also catching 19 passes for 200 yards and a score.
Looking ahead to next season, Jackson is going to be a huge part of the offense for the Buckeyes. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are both expected to be back. Chris Henry Jr., the team’s elite five-star wide receiver, will also join the offense.
Jackson will be a big part of helping push Ohio State back towards national championship contention. Assuming he continues to develop, there is a chance that he could be the next big thing at running back for the Buckeyes.
Ryan Day and the Buckeyes Have Had a Rough Transfer Portal
Since the season came to an end with a heartbreaking loss in the playoff to Miami, Ohio State has had a rough go of it.
Day has seen multiple players leave Columbus in the portal. Among those players are quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, linebacker C.J. Hicks, wide receiver Quincy Porter, offensive lineman Isaiah Kema, wide receiver Damarion Witten, and EDGE Logan George.
In response to losing players to the portal, the Buckeyes have also added a handful of players.
Among the additions are linebacker Christian Alliegro, wide receiver Devin McCuin, long snapper Dalton Riggs, defensive lineman John Walker, and tight end Mason Williams. Day has done everything in his power to keep Ohio State stacked up on talent.
Thankfully, the Buckeyes will not need to worry about Jackson hitting the portal. He will have a fighting chance to be one of the best running backs in the nation in 2026. Jackson’s role of taking pressure off of Sayin and the passing game will be crucial for Ohio State’s success next year.
Ohio State, Ryan Day Receive Huge News Amid Transfer Portal Exodus