Bo Jackson’s $1.5 Million Name, Image, and Likeness Money Grab: Is the Running Back Worth the Money?
Bo Jackson, the outstanding freshman running back for Ohio State, got a big raise in Name, Image, and Likeness money. In the new college football, this is the new normal. Freshmen, like Jackson, who had one great season, can ask for a raise.
There was some doubt as many thought that Jackson was going to transfer. He is going to stay at Ohio State and get a big raise. Do you like this new normal in college football?
Bo Jackson, Ohio State Running Back
Jackson had one of the best seasons ever for a freshman running back at Ohio State. He emerged as one of the biggest stars on Ohio State’s roster in 2025. He rushed 179 times for 1,090 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He had 6 touchdowns and overtook senior transfer CJ Donaldson and returning star James Peoples for the Buckeyes’ featured role.
Donaldson is now out of eligibility, and Peoples has transferred to Penn State. It is good that Jackson is coming back. He figures to be the lead backfield again next year. Second-year backs Isaiah West and Anthony “Turbo” Rogers will back him up in 2026, though Ohio State may land another transfer running back.
Bo Jackson Makes History
A four-star prospect in the recruiting class of 2025, Jackson was the No. 161 overall prospect and No. 10 running back according to the 247Sports composite rankings. He didn’t see the field in Ohio State’s first game of the season against Texas, but quickly made waves in games two and three with back-to-back 100-yard performances.
He went on to rush for more than 1,000 yards, a magical number for Ohio State. In Ohio State’s Big Ten Championship Game loss to Indiana, he passed 1,000 rushing yards. He became the fifth freshman to accomplish that milestone, joining Robert Smith (1990), Maurice Clarett (2002), J.K. Dobbins (2017), and TreVeyon Henderson (2021).
That loftly accomplishment led Jackson to threaten to transfer after the 2025 season. He ended up staying, but demanded a big Name, Image, and Likeness money raise heading into 2026. Ohio State does not release details of Name, Image, and Likeness deals, though it is thought that Jackson will earn $1.5 million in 2026.
Why People Care
Fans of the Ohio State football team care that Jackson is coming back because he is thought to only get better in the 2026 season. Buckeyes fans shudder to think what would happen in the Ohio State running back room if Jackson transferred.
Related Stories
There are several related stories. The madness this season, with over 4,000 football players entering the transfer portal, transfers, and threats of transfer have been big news. The 2026 transfer portal has been big news both internally at Total Apex Media and externally to it. Some college football teams have more than 50 players transferring out.
Frequently Asked Questions
This topic is trending right now because Jackson would have been one of the best players in the portal. He is also essential for the Buckeye rushing attack.
This viral moment started when the transfer portal opened last week. It has been chaos ever since. Imagine the National Football League with 170 teams, where all the players are on one-year contracts, and their free agent period takes place during the playoffs. That is what is going on in college football.
Though the situation with Jackson has stopped, the college football transfer portal is open until midnight on Friday. Ohio State may add more running backs, and likely, they will add other players.
Parting Shots
Jackson had a good 2025 season; however, his almost transfer and salary demands say more about the state of college football than anything else. College football has become the Wild West, and the chaos is reshaping all of college football.
