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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s second-ranked 2025 recruiting class just got even better.
The Buckeyes, who needed to hit on at least one elite running back in the class, got good news on Tuesday when in-state running back Bo Jackson committed. Jackson is rated as a four-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite.
It was a massive win for the Buckeyes and new running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, who got the running back he needed despite Jackson getting interest from both Georgia and Alabama.
Ohio State has 13 commitments in the class and continues its push for the top-ranked class in the country.
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What does this mean for Ohio State?
Ohio State’s class was already a great one. Before Jackson committed the Buckeyes had an average rating of 94.85, but there were a few positions of need still. They needed a running back, or two.
The Buckeyes could lose both TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins to the NFL Draft after this season, which would leave them with just two scholarship backs, freshmen James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon. The Buckeyes probably should hit the transfer portal next year to add some experience, but there’s still a need for more bodies and talent. Jackson is the first one to fill that need, and he’s special.
Big first commitment for new running backs coach Carlos Locklyn.
Bo Jackson has committed to the Buckeyes. https://t.co/oqYrfsJyA9
— Cameron Teague (@cj_teague) June 4, 2024
The 6-foot and 200-pound back from Cleveland has good size and athleticism. He put all of that on tape during a stellar junior season when he ran for 1,700 yards, averaging more than 10 yards per carry and had nearly 30 total touchdowns. He’s the type of running back who could come right in and compete for playing time, especially if the Buckeyes’ youth continues to show.
Jackson’s commitment gives the Buckeyes a stranglehold on the Ohio prospects. The top player in the state, quarterback Tavien St. Clair, has already committed along with the No. 3 player, offensive tackle Carter Lowe.
There’s a chance Ohio State pulls in each of the top five players, all of whom are top-100 prospects. The second-ranked player is safety Trey McNutt from Cleveland. He is uncommitted but high on Ohio State’s big board, as is edge rusher Justin Hill, from Cincinnati.
What’s next for the Buckeyes?
Ohio State isn’t done at running back.
Next on the running back big board is Jordan Davison. The California native is the No. 96 player in the country and the sixth-ranked running back. Michigan, Alabama and Oregon are all recruiting Davison, so it won’t be an easy run to the finish line, but the Buckeyes are trying hard to pair Davison with Jackson.
Beyond running back, Ohio State is still hoping for good news from Hill and four-star offensive lineman Henry Fenuku, who were both on campus last weekend for a visit, with Jackson.
(Photo: Chris Trotman / Getty Images)
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Courtesy : https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5541259/2024/06/04/bo-jackson-commits-ohio-state-recruiting/