Ryan Day, Ohio State Receive Big News on Friday

Despite recent speculation, Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes will have star tailback Bo Jackson back in the fold next season.

"Ohio State True Freshman All-American RB Bo Jackson plans to return to Ohio State for the 2026 season, sources tell @mzenitz and I for @CBSSports," Chris Hummer wrote Friday on X. "Jackson ran for 1,090 yards and 6 TDs this season on 6.1 ypc."

As a newcomer, Jackson overtook West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson and James Peoples for the Buckeyes' role as featured rusher. Donaldson's eligibility is up, while Peoples entered the transfer portal and chose to relocate to join Matt Campbell's Penn State Nittany Lions.

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Jackson was a four-star recruit and the No. 10 tailback nationally. He didn't get on the field during Ohio State's opener against Texas, but had consecutive 100-yard efforts over his team's next two outings. Against Michigan, Jackson went for 117 yards on 22 carries and added four receptions for 49 yards.

Jackson's decision to stay allows Day and his coaching staff to breathe a sigh of relief. The Buckeyes have seen somewhat of an exodus since losing to the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, including a handful of talented receivers. Mylan Graham, one of the top wideouts in the 2024 class, was one of them.

Ohio State lost offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, a talented recruiter, when he decided to take over as USF's head coach. Day will have to do some work to fill the holes.