Ohio State to utilize three-man running back rotation

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has announced plans to utilize a three-man rotation at the running back position this upcoming season. Sophomore Bo Jackson is currently leading the group, following a 2025 season where he rushed for 1,090 yards. Jackson is being joined in the rotation by fellow sophomore Isaiah West and veteran transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson.

The shift toward a multi-back system may reflect the offensive scheme implemented by first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Drawing from his NFL experience with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith typically employs offenses where no single running back exceeds a 55 percent share of carries.

This approach leverages the differing skill sets of the players, utilizing Bo Jackson for his ability to run between the tackles and Isaiah West for his explosiveness. The strategy aims to keep defensive coordinators unpredictable through various inside and outside run concepts.