Ohio State freshman running back Bo Jackson owns a rather famous name in the game. Is he related to Auburn’s legendary rusher?
Usually, similar names in sports surface when common first and last names funnel through the ranks. Football, a sport steeped in tradition, is always searching for the next great player. What happens when a name that evokes respect and astonishment aligns with one from the past?
Is Ohio State’s Bo Jackson Related to Dual-Sport Legend Bo Jackson?
When the Ohio State freshman grew up in Cleveland, people first knew him by his given name: Lamar Jackson Jr. No, not the Baltimore Ravens quarterback or the Atlanta Falcons cornerback of the same name. “Bo” was the tailback’s nickname.
While the comparison is interesting, the Heisman Trophy winner and the true freshman Buckeye are unrelated. That hasn’t stopped the back from expressing his respect for the College Football Hall of Famer, as he did in an interview last spring with the Eleven Warriors YouTube channel.
“It means a lot; it’s a big name, but I’m just trying to be myself, just be my own, and, uh, work as hard as I can. You watch videos of him and stuff, though. I mean, you know who I’m talking about. Yeah, of course, I grew up watching him. What stood out? Just everything about this game, the speed, the explosion of everything you learn. I learned a lot, all the little things matter, all the technique stuff. I’m just trying to take it all in.”
In his first game, a 70-0 defeat of FCS Grambling State, the former four-star recruit scored his first touchdown on an 11-yard run. Granted, the touchdown made it 49-0, but it allowed Jackson to get field time in his debut. He finished with nine carries for 108 yards and one touchdown.
Today, with the fourth quarter left to play, Jackson had already tallied 101 yards on eight carries. For now, he will continue to share touches with upperclassmen. In blowout situations, though, Jackson will see the field more. Critics may argue that late-game carries don’t matter, but live competition is the only true simulation of game situations.
Bo can go 🏃💨
Bo Jackson breaks free for a big @OhioStateFB run.
📺: Peacock pic.twitter.com/layC5RLlyT
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 14, 2025
So far, the Buckeyes look capable of making another run at the national championship to pair with last year’s. Jackson may not be a deciding factor, but the strength and depth of a running back corps can’t be discounted. How his role expands over the season remains to be seen.
