Eric Boggs
As the college football offseason continues to churn with portal movement, Ohio State received one of its most important pieces of stability with the news that Bo Jackson will return for his sophomore season in 2026. After brief speculation that he might explore his options, the breakout freshman made it clear where he belongs, giving the Buckeyes a featured back to build around as they navigate roster turnover elsewhere.
Jackson’s emergence in 2025 was nothing short of program-defining. The four-star recruit from the class of 2025 quickly seized control of Ohio State’s backfield, overtaking CJ Donaldson and James Peoples to become the Buckeyes’ primary ball carrier. By season’s end, he had piled up 1,090 rushing yards on 179 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt while adding six touchdowns. He introduced himself to the national stage with back-to-back 100-yard performances in Weeks 2 and 3, then delivered his signature moment in the season’s biggest game — a 27–9 statement win over Michigan in which he rushed 22 times for 117 yards and added 49 receiving yards.
With Donaldson out of eligibility and Peoples now at Penn State, Jackson enters 2026 as the unquestioned lead back. The Buckeyes’ next wave at the position includes second-year backs Isaiah West and Anthony “Turbo” Rogers, but Ohio State is still exploring veteran depth in the portal, hosting Michigan State transfer Makhi Frazier as it continues to refine the rotation. Still, with Jackson secured, the most critical piece of the running back puzzle is already in place.
Meanwhile, the natural counterpoint to Jackson’s rise is the departure of Sam Dixon, who committed to South Carolina after entering the transfer portal. Dixon’s path at Ohio State became increasingly difficult after Jackson’s breakout and the arrival of additional competition, pushing him down the depth chart in 2025. In his Buckeye career, Dixon appeared in five games and totaled 62 rushing yards and a touchdown before seeking a fresh start in Columbia.
Together, the two developments illustrate the modern reality of roster management in Columbus: elite young talent rises quickly, depth shifts just as fast, and opportunity drives movement. For Ohio State fans, the headline remains clear — with Bo Jackson staying home in 2026, the Buckeyes retain a centerpiece capable of anchoring their offense as the next championship pursuit takes shape.
For anyone wanting to stay on top of every departure and arrival, The OHIO Podcast has a Transfer Portal Tracker so that no one will miss any players leaving or coming to Ohio State via the transfer portal in 2026. Just click on the Tracker above and you will be taken to the portal hub.
