Bo Jackson Thrust Into Spotlight: Can Ohio State’s Freshman Phenom Fill the Henderson-Judkins Void — Or Will the Buckeyes Regret the Gamble?

COLUMBUS, OH — At a school where legends like Archie Griffin, Ezekiel Elliott, and J.K. Dobbins once carried the rock, pressure is nothing new for Ohio State running backs. But for true freshman Bo Jackson, that pressure has arrived far sooner than expected — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

With the surprise NFL Draft exit of TreVeyon Henderson and the stunning transfer of Quinshon Judkins, the Buckeyes’ once-stacked backfield suddenly looks thinner than anyone anticipated. That vacuum has thrust Jackson, just months removed from high school, into the heart of the offense — a position that has fans and analysts alike debating whether he’s truly ready for the spotlight or being unfairly fast-tracked into a role that could overwhelm him.

Bo Jackson’s arrival at Ohio State came with plenty of buzz. The 6-foot, 210-pound back from Cleveland was a four-star recruit who dominated high school defenses with a punishing combination of power and speed. Coaches raved about his maturity and work ethic, and teammates quickly took notice during spring ball. But being the No. 3 back on the depth chart behind Henderson and Judkins was supposed to offer him a year to develop, not immediately shoulder the hopes of a national championship contender.

Now, that developmental buffer is gone. Jackson has been elevated to RB1 — not because of a meteoric rise, but due to roster attrition. And while head coach Ryan Day and running backs coach Tony Alford have publicly expressed confidence in the freshman, there’s an unspoken tension inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Are they genuinely optimistic, or are their hands simply tied?

Still, there’s a difference between earning a spot and being prepared to lead one of college football’s most scrutinized programs. The offensive line may be elite, the receivers world-class, and the quarterback situation solid — but if the running game stumbles, everything else becomes harder. Jackson’s every carry will be dissected. Every mistake magnified. Every fumble could swing a playoff bid.

That’s the crucible of Ohio State football. There’s no such thing as a rebuilding year — just reloads and reruns of fan impatience.

Split Fanbase: ‘Trust Bo’ vs. ‘Too Soon’

Unsurprisingly, the Ohio State faithful are split. On social media and fan forums, debates rage.

One side sees Jackson as a future star and believes throwing him into the fire now will only accelerate his development. “If he’s special, let him prove it now,” one fan tweeted. “He’s got the burst. He’s got the vision. Give him the rock and let him cook.”

Others are far more cautious — even skeptical. “He’s not ready. We just lost two of the best backs in the country,” another fan posted on Bucknuts. “You can’t expect a freshman to carry us through Penn State, Michigan, and the playoff gauntlet. This isn’t high school anymore.”

It’s not just about running lanes and touchdowns — it’s about pass protection, ball security, and endurance. Can Jackson pick up blitzes against Alabama or Georgia? Can he handle 20 carries in Big Ten weather? Can he protect the football when it’s freezing in Ann Arbor?

Inside the team, there’s cautious support. Senior lineman Donovan Jackson called Bo “a warrior” and praised his work ethic. “He doesn’t say much. He just grinds,” Jackson said. “But we’ve all got his back. He’s one of us, and we believe in him.”

Still, some veterans privately wonder if the staff will add a late portal pickup before fall camp. With so much on the line — especially a potential final season for star receiver Emeka Egbuka and quarterback Devin Brown — relying solely on a freshman may feel like a gamble the Buckeyes can’t afford.

This moment could define the 2025 season for Ohio State. If Bo Jackson proves to be the next great Buckeye back, the coaching staff will be hailed as visionaries. But if he struggles, or worse, falters at the wrong time, fingers will point toward the decision to trust youth over experience.