His name isn’t actually Bo Jackson, and he has no relation to the Auburn legend, but Ohio State’s freshman running back is putting up legendary numbers on the field. Born Lamar Jackson Jr., this electric talent from Cleveland is making waves in college football with an exceptional 2025 season.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Real name: Lamar Jackson Jr. from Cleveland, Ohio.
- Already leading Ohio State with 835 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns through 10 games.
- Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after dominant 110-yard, 2-touchdown performance against Rutgers on November 22.
- Ranked 7th in Big Ten in rushing yards and averaging impressive 6.5 yards per carry.
The Story Behind “Bo”
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Lamar Jackson Jr. wasn’t called Bo at birth. His father, Lamar Jackson Sr., gave him the nickname because he reminded him of a wild and untamed force. The freshman’s energetic playing style and aggressive approach on the field mirror the origin of his name. In interviews, Jackson has discussed how peculiar it feels introducing himself as Lamar before being recognized as Bo.
Growing up in Cleveland at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, Jackson established himself as a prolific running back. During his junior season, he accumulated nearly 30 total touchdowns and 1,700 rushing yards, averaging better than 10 yards per carry. His senior year was limited to just four games but still produced 588 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Breaking Auburn Legend Records
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The comparison to legendary Auburn running back Bo Jackson (whose real name is Vincent Edward Jackson) was inevitable given the name similarity. However, Ohio State’s Bo is not related to the 1985 Heisman Trophy winner. Auburn was notably one of the final schools that offered Jackson, but he chose the Buckeyes over Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Recently, Ohio State’s Bo Jackson surpassed the Auburn legend’s freshman rushing yard total. Against Rutgers on November 22, Jackson recorded 110 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries, pushing his season total to 835 yards. This marked his first career Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor, recognizing one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in school history.
Explosive 2025 Season Statistics
| Stat Category | 2025 Totals |
| Rushing Attempts | 129 carries |
| Rushing Yards | 835 yards |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 5 TDs |
| Receiving Yards | 138 yards |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 1 TD |
| Yards Per Carry | 6.5 average |
The Multi-Sport Athlete Background
Before committing to Ohio State, Jackson wasn’t just a football phenomenon. At Villa Angela-St. Joseph, he excelled as a standout baseball player and competed in track where he qualified as a regional competitor. This athletic versatility demonstrates the type of explosive speed and competitiveness that defines his game on the gridiron.
Four-star recruits often come with high expectations, but Jackson lived up to them immediately. Ranked as the No. 5 running back nationally and No. 6 player in Ohio, he chose the Buckeyes after fielding offers from major programs like Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and Florida. His arrival in January 2025 and participation in spring drills prepared him for a freshman season that head coach Ryan Day described as one where the young star wants to perform at his best.
What’s Next for Ohio State’s Phenom?
With the season progressing and strong individual performances piling up, Jackson is establishing himself as a central figure in Ohio State’s offensive strategy. The 6-foot, 217-pound runner combines size with surprising explosiveness, creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Tied for 7th in the Big Ten in rushing yards, Jackson continues proving he belongs among elite freshman talent despite carrying the same name as one of the greatest multi-sport athletes ever.
As Ohio State heads into critical late-season games, Lamar Jackson Jr.—better known as Bo—will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of discussions about the program’s future. His breakout freshman campaign suggests a stellar college career lies ahead, regardless of the legendary name he shares with an Auburn icon.
Sources
- ESPN – Official college football stats and player profiles
- Ohio State Athletics – Roster information and Big Ten recognition
- USA Today Sports – Relationship clarification article
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.