Signed: In-state running back Bo Jackson brings physicality to the Buckeyes
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2025 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Bo Jackson has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — There were several talented running back prospects within the state of Ohio in the 2025 class and the Buckeyes landed perhaps the best of the bunch. Four-star running back Bo Jackson has signed his Letter of Intent to Ohio State and is officially a Buckeye.
What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Let’s check it out.
Who is Bo Jackson?
Bo Jackson is a four-star running back from Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. He committed to the Buckeyes on June 4, 2024 over Alabama, Georgia and dozens of Power Four programs. Jackson was the first big win on the recruiting trail for running backs coach Carlos Locklyn in Columbus.
On3 Industry Rankings: No. 124 overall, No. 6 running back, No. 5 in Ohio
On3 Ranking: No. 117 overall, No. 5 running back, No. 4 in Ohio
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
High School: Villa Angela-St. Joseph
Bo Jackson has been one of the best running back, and all-around football players, in the 2025 class when he is healthy. He was a four-year starter at running back and safety for Villa Angela-St. Joseph. Jackson rushed for 560 yards and 10 touchdowns on 37 carries through three games before suffering a season ending injury in Week Four.
Jackson is one of two running backs commitments for the Buckeyes in the 2025 class. Ohio State has Isaiah West in the fold to go along with Jackson.
How did Jackson end up at Ohio State?
The Buckeyes offered Jackson in June of 2022 prior to the start of his sophomore season. Former Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford prioritized Jackson for almost two years before leaving to be the running backs coach at Michigan.
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Carlos Locklyn had a pre-existing relationship with Jackson from his time at Oregon, however. Jackson was No. 1 target for Locklyn from the time he arrived in Columbus in March. He was finally able to land Jackson’s commitment following his official visit in June.
“It’s always a good time meeting with Coach Day,” Jackson told Lettermen Row following his official visit. “Pretty much his whole message is that he wants me there and that they’re really interested in me. And Ohio State is home. My parents like him a lot. He calls me every once in a while so I have a really good relationship with Coach Day.”
Jackson will be an early enrollee and on campus in January to take part in spring practices at Ohio State.
