Eric Boggs
As Ohio State charges into the most important stretch of the regular season, two freshmen have emerged as critical pillars of the Buckeyes’ offensive identity. Running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West arrived with talent, but what they’ve shown this fall goes far beyond recruiting hype. They have stepped into the backfield rotation with poise, versatility, and a chemistry that is reshaping the run game at the perfect time.
Through nine games, Jackson has rushed for 613 yards on 95 carries (6.5 yards per carry) with 2 touchdowns in eight games, while West has added 177 yards on 34 carries (5.2 yards per carry) and a touchdown in six contests. Combine their stats and the freshman duo have a combined 790 yards on 129 carries through eight games (neither played against Texas in the season opener.) Good enough for 6.1 yards per carry.
For a comparison, J.K. Dobbins in his freshman season rushed for 1,403 yards on 194 carries for a 7.2 yards per carry average, which was his best during his three year career at Ohio Sate. More recently, TreVeyon Henderson, during his freshman campaign, rushed for 1,248 yards on 183 carries for a 6.8 yards per carry average.
Although their production isn’t what Dobbins’ and Henderson accomplished in their freshman season’s, Jackson and West’s production has come in spurts and in moments where the Buckeyes needed them to steady drives, flip field position, or accelerate tempo. For freshmen, their maturity is on par with both Henderson and Dobbins in that regard.
Jackson’s rise has been fueled by an unwavering work ethic and a grounded mindset that fits perfectly with Ohio State’s culture. “You just got to put your head down and trust the process,” he said, reflecting on how he made the transition look smoother than it usually is for a first-year back. His confidence has grown with every carry, but his humility never wavers. When asked if a big breakout run was coming, he simply smiled and said, “I feel like there’s always home run potential. I feel like I always got that potential to make big plays.”
It’s that combination—raw athleticism and quiet belief—that has Ohio State fans so excited. Teammates and coaches praise his toughness and ability to learn quickly, especially after enrolling early and returning from a high school injury. Jackson noted that those spring practices were crucial: “It was my first time really playing football again… just me trying to gain my confidence back.”
Meanwhile, Isaiah West has blossomed into the perfect complement. His game is built on vision, footwork, and patience—traits he identified clearly. “Everything begins with vision as a running back,” he said. “It don’t matter how fast your little feet can move if you don’t know where you’re going.” His ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces has given Ohio State a chain-moving weapon who thrives between the tackles.
West’s journey back from injury sharpened not just his body, but his understanding of the game. He leaned heavily on mental reps in the spring, explaining, “I made sure I was locked in… so that way when I came in, it wasn’t like I was two steps behind.” That preparation has paid off, particularly in Big Ten play, where he has shown poise far beyond his age.
Just as important as their individual talents is their relationship. The two backs—same class, same room, same goals—have built an unshakable bond. Jackson calls West “literally like my brother,” while West lights up when talking about their partnership: “Bo, that’s my guy… we travel together, we play the game together. Our relationship grows every day.” Their respect for each other translates onto the field, where their contrasting styles force defenses to constantly adjust.
West put it perfectly: “When you got a back like Bo, he’s a slasher… big play at any moment. Then you switch it up. I feel like that controls the pace of the game and keeps us both fresh.”
Their emergence could not be better timed. With Michigan looming and the postseason on deck, Ohio State needs a dynamic, reliable run game to balance its offense and control physical matchups. Jackson brings the explosive threat that can change a drive in one snap. West brings the steady, cerebral style that keeps the chains moving and protects the football. Together, they give the Buckeyes a one-two punch that feels ahead of schedule—yet perfectly ready for what comes next.
Both young backs speak with the same message that resonates throughout the Woody Hayes Athletic Center: do your job, trust your training, and embrace the moment. As Jackson said, summarizing the heart of Ohio State’s culture, “Just do your responsibilities, and everything will work out.”
With the rivalry game approaching and championship aspirations in full view, the Buckeyes have found two freshman running backs who not only meet the standard—they elevate it.
