Anticipation is building for the Ohio State Buckeyes as their preseason training camp commences, marking the conclusion of an offseason dedicated to a series of thematic discussions and bold forecasts for the upcoming 2026 season. Among the most prominent predictions for the Buckeyes, two stand out: a significant improvement in their ground game and the emergence of Bo Jackson as a dominant force.
A major reason for the optimism surrounding Ohio State's rushing attack is the arrival of Arthur Smith, the new offensive coordinator. Smith boasts an impressive track record of developing elite running backs during his tenures as an offensive coordinator and head coach in the NFL. His expertise is expected to revitalize the Buckeyes' run game, which is crucial for balancing their offensive strategy. This season, the spotlight is firmly on Bo Jackson, who is predicted to achieve a breakthrough year and claim the title of the Big Ten's leading rusher. Last season, Jackson demonstrated his potential by accumulating 1,090 rushing yards, placing him fifth in the conference. With the top four rushers, including Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (1,451 yards), now having transitioned to the NFL, the path is clear for Jackson to ascend. Furthermore, the two players immediately behind Jackson in last year's rankings, Kaelon Black and King Miller, have also departed for the professional league, further solidifying Jackson's position as a prime candidate for the top spot. It's also notable that Jackson wasn't the Buckeyes' primary running back at the start of last season, missing the opening game against Texas but still managing an impressive streak of six consecutive games with over 100 rushing yards.
This year, Jackson enters the season as the undisputed RB1, guaranteeing him a starting role from Week 1. Given Smith's run-heavy offensive philosophy, Jackson is expected to receive a significantly increased workload, far surpassing his single game with over 20 carries from the previous season. While Ohio State has recently been recognized for its prowess in producing top wide receivers, the program also has a rich history of legendary running backs. Combining the strategic shift towards a more robust running game, the absence of last year's leading rushers, and Jackson's demonstrated talent, it is highly conceivable that he will lead the Big Ten in rushing yards in 2026, adding his name to the esteemed lineage of Buckeyes' running backs.
The stage is set for Bo Jackson to have an exceptional 2026 season. His potential to lead the Big Ten in rushing yards is a testament to his talent, the strategic vision of the coaching staff, and the opportunities arising from key departures in the league. This convergence of factors points towards a promising future for Jackson and, by extension, the Ohio State Buckeyes, as they aim for a successful campaign grounded in a revitalized and powerful ground game.
