Ohio State won't have half of its running back tandem for a key Big Ten game against No. 5 Indiana on Saturday, as the No. 4 Buckeyes ruled out Ja'Kobi Jackson on their Big Ten availability update Wednesday.
Jackson had started the past two games for the Buckeyes but was seen limping after their win over visiting Maryland on Saturday.
With Jackson out, Bo Jackson is set to start against the Hoosiers. Bo Jackson has rushed for a team-leading 460 yards on 89 carries with four rushing touchdowns, while Ja'Kobi Jackson leads Ohio State with six rushing touchdowns along with 354 yards on 59 carries.
Ohio State is averaging 165.7 rushing yards per game. The running game has been a telltale sign of success for the Buckeyes, who have been outrushed in each of their three losses since 2025, including last year's 13-10 loss to the Hoosiers in the Big Ten championship game.
"It is going to be a huge challenge," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said this week. "They do an excellent job up front on defense. Their defensive line is one of the biggest challenges we'll have all season, so we've got to have a great week of preparation."
With Ja'Kobi Jackson out, Legend Bey is likely to see an increased role after accruing 12 rushes for 50 yards so far this season.
Five Ohio State starters who did not play against Maryland -- wide receivers Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin, linebacker Christian Alliegro, nickelback Jay Timmons, and right tackle Phillip Daniels -- were not listed on the injury report.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.