Bo Jackson Takes Second-Team Reps as West, Ja'Kobi Jackson Lead OSU Backfield

Ohio State sophomore running back Bo Jackson is operating with the second-team offense in fall camp, according to 10TV reporter Adam King, who reported on Tuesday that Jackson was again working behind Isaiah West and Ja'Kobi Jackson during practice.

West is lining up with the first-team unit, with Ja'Kobi Jackson also seeing first-team reps ahead of the Buckeyes' star sophomore. Legend Bey was also present at Tuesday's practice and working with the first team.

Ja'Kobi Jackson Makes Early Impression

Ja'Kobi Jackson's strong early standing in the depth chart comes alongside a separate honor on Tuesday: the Florida transfer became the first Ohio State player to have his black stripe removed during preseason camp. The milestone arrived after the Buckeyes' fifth fall practice, officially welcoming Jackson into what the program calls its 'brotherhood.' The black stripe, worn over the scarlet center stripe on Ohio State helmets by all newcomers upon arrival in Columbus, is removed only when a player demonstrates commitment to the program on and off the field.

Jackson, a 6-foot, 219-pound redshirt senior, joined Ohio State after two seasons with the Florida Gators. He appeared in all 13 games for Florida in 2024 before an injury limited him to four games in 2025. While the black stripe removal does not determine depth-chart standing, it signals that Jackson has earned the respect of Ohio State's coaching staff early in camp.

Bo Jackson — who emerged as a star for the Buckeyes in his sophomore campaign — now faces a competitive preseason challenge as the program works to establish its pecking order at running back ahead of the 2026 season. Camp observations suggest the battle at the position remains fluid, with West and Ja'Kobi Jackson staking early claims to prominent roles.