Bo Jackson named to On3's midseason true freshman All-America team

COLUMBUS — Bo Jackson went from not receiving any carries in the season-opening win over Texas to becoming the starting running back at Ohio State in the just a few weeks.

Now he’s earning heavy praise for his impressive performance through six games of his true freshman season.

Jackson was named to the midseason true freshman All-America team from On3 on Monday, a sign that he’s earning buzz as one of the premier up-and-coming tailbacks in the sport. He’s joined by Duke’s Nate Sheppard as midseason true freshman All-Americans, according to On3.

Here’s what On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, said about Jackson’s inclusion on the team.

Bo Jackson has emerged as the primary ball carrier for the nation’s top-ranked team. The Cleveland native has quickly become a steady and physical presence in Ohio State’s backfield, showing size, contact balance, and downhill power that belie his true freshman status. Through five games, Jackson has rushed for 407 yards at 7.0 yards per carry with two touchdowns, impressive production on such a loaded roster, especially considering he did not record a carry in the season opener against Texas.

Jackson’s power and vision between the tackles have stood out, as he leads all true freshman running backs in yards after contact with 305, according to Pro Football Focus. His ability to run through arm tackles and stay balanced through contact gives Ryan Day and running backs coach Carlos Locklyn a promising young centerpiece for the Buckeyes’ ground game moving forward. A former four-star prospect and the No. 9 running back and No. 160 overall prospect in the 2025 On300, Jackson looks poised to carry on Ohio State’s tradition of high-end running back play.

– Charles Power, On3

Bo Jackson has been the lead tailback for the Buckeyes, especially in their three conference games so far. He has 58 carries for 407 yards and a pair of touchdown runs. Jackson is averaging 7 yards per carry for the Buckeyes and is clearly the top back for the country’s No. 1 team.

“Bo Jackson,” Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith said about Jackson in September. “That’s the guy right there. I’ve been saying this since spring. Bo Jackson is next up, for sure”

He was the No. 163 overall player in the country for the 2025 recruiting class. Bo Jackson was the No. 12 running back and No. 5 player in the state of Ohio as a recruit from Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland.

Now in just a few weeks, Bo Jackson has emerged as the clear leader of the Ohio State tailback room. And he figures to only keep getting better.