Ohio State RB Ja'Kobi Jackson Out With Foot Injury

Running back Ja'Kobi Jackson undergoes surgery for a Lisfranc injury sustained against Maryland.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a football player in a scarlet jersey, capturing the motion and physical intensity of a game. — Ohio State running back Ja'Kobi Jackson will be sidelined following surgery for a Lisfranc injury sustained during Saturday's game against Maryland. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ohio State running back Ja'Kobi Jackson is sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a Lisfranc foot injury. Jackson suffered the setback during the fourth quarter of the team's matchup against Maryland.

Why it matters

Jackson has been a key contributor to the Buckeyes' ground game this season, recording six touchdowns. His absence forces a shift in the team's running back rotation as they prepare for the remainder of the schedule.

Before his injury, Jackson compiled 354 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 59 total carries. During the game against Indiana, replacement running back Bo Jackson recorded 56 yards on 18 attempts while playing a career-high 52 snaps.

The players

Ja'Kobi Jackson

He is a key running back for the Ohio State University football team.

Bo Jackson

He is a running back for Ohio State who saw increased playing time following Jackson's injury.

Isaiah West

He is a running back contributing to the team's rotation.

Legend Bey

He is a running back providing depth for the Buckeyes' offense.

The details

Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, and Legend Bey have stepped in to cover the running back duties in Jackson's absence. While Jackson is currently out, he is targeting a return to the field for the regular-season finale against Michigan.

October 7, 2026: Jackson suffered the injury during the game against Maryland.
October 17, 2026: Jackson missed the game against Indiana.
October 21, 2026: Surgery and recovery timeline details were provided.

Season Trajectory

This roster adjustment impacts the Buckeyes' offensive stability as they look toward future conference matchups. The reliance on Bo Jackson to handle the majority of snaps will define the team's ground attack through the final weeks of the season.

Fantasy football owners and team supporters should anticipate Bo Jackson handling the majority of carries for the foreseeable future. The team's rushing efficiency will remain a critical metric to watch while Ja'Kobi Jackson continues his rehabilitation.

The takeaway

Managing player health is a critical component of navigating a successful college football season. The ability of depth players to step up in high-snap scenarios remains essential for maintaining team performance during long injury absences.