Bo Jackson: Is Ohio State Related, Son Ohio State, Climbs Wall

Bo Jackson is a name that immediately reminds sports fans of one of the greatest athletes in American sports history. However, the name has also become familiar to Ohio State football fans because the Buckeyes have a talented running back named Bo Jackson.

That has created several common questions: Is Ohio State’s Bo Jackson related to the famous Bo Jackson? Is he his son? And what is the story behind Bo Jackson climbing the wall?

Here is everything to know about the two athletes and the famous wall-climbing moment.

Is Bo Jackson Related to Ohio State?

Yes, one Bo Jackson is an Ohio State football player, but he is not related to the legendary Bo Jackson.

Ohio State’s Bo Jackson is a running back from Cleveland, Ohio. His real name is Lamar Jackson Jr., while Bo is a nickname he received when he was young. The nickname is a tribute to the legendary Bo Jackson, who won the Heisman Trophy at Auburn and later played professional football and baseball.

The younger Jackson attended Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland before joining Ohio State.

His connection to the Buckeyes is therefore his own football career rather than a family connection to the famous athlete.

Is Ohio State’s Bo Jackson the Son of Bo Jackson?

No. Ohio State running back Bo Jackson is not the son of the famous Bo Jackson.

The Ohio State player’s father is Lamar Jackson, and the player’s full name is Lamar Jackson Jr. His father also shares a first name with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, but there is no reported family relationship between them.

The similarity in names has understandably caused confusion among football fans.

The Ohio State running back simply uses the nickname Bo, which pays homage to the Auburn and NFL legend.

Who Is Bo Jackson at Ohio State?

He is a running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He arrived at the program as a highly regarded recruit after starring at Villa Angela-St. Joseph.

He quickly became one of Ohio State’s most explosive offensive players.

During his freshman season, Jackson rushed for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns on 179 carries, according to Buckeye Sports Bulletin. He also earned Freshman All-America honors after an impressive debut season.

His speed and ability to create big plays made him an important part of Ohio State’s offense.

In 2026, expectations remain high for Jackson entering his second season. A July 2026 Buckeye Weekly discussion focused on what he could accomplish after rushing for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman.

Is Bo Jackson Related to Lamar Jackson?

No. This is another name-related misunderstanding.

Ohio State’s Bo Jackson was born Lamar Jackson Jr., and his father is Lamar Jackson. However, neither the Ohio State player nor his father is related to NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson.

The shared name is simply a coincidence.

This makes the Ohio State player’s name particularly interesting because he has connections to two famous football names without actually being related to either athlete.

Did the Famous Bo Jackson Climb the Wall?

Yes. The legendary Bo Jackson became famous for extraordinary athletic plays during his baseball career, including a memorable moment in which he appeared to climb the outfield wall.

Jackson’s athletic ability was extraordinary even by professional standards. During his baseball career, he displayed tremendous speed, jumping ability and body control.

One of the most famous stories involves Jackson chasing a fly ball and using the wall almost like a vertical surface while making an incredible defensive play. The moment became part of the larger mythology surrounding his athletic career.

The phrase “Bo Jackson climbs wall” therefore refers to the legendary athlete and his spectacular baseball defensive abilities, not to Ohio State running back Bo Jackson.

Why Is the Bo Jackson Wall Catch So Famous?

The wall-climbing moment became famous because it demonstrated just how unusual Jackson’s athleticism was.

Baseball outfielders normally use the warning track and wall to judge their approach to a fly ball. Jackson appeared to use the wall as part of his movement, creating an image that looked almost impossible.

His combination of speed, strength and jumping ability helped create the legendary reputation that followed him throughout his career.

That is also why the name Bo Jackson remains closely associated with spectacular athletic feats decades after his playing career ended.

Are the Two Bo Jacksons the Same Person?

No. They are two different athletes from different generations.

The legendary Bo Jackson starred at Auburn before playing for the Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Royals. The younger Bo Jackson is building his own identity at Ohio State.

Why Does Ohio State’s Bo Jackson Use the Name Bo?

The nickname is a tribute to the legendary athlete.

Although his birth name is Lamar Jackson Jr., he became known as Bo at a young age. The nickname stuck as he developed into a football and baseball standout.

That connection has made his rise at Ohio State especially interesting. Every time the Buckeyes’ running back makes a big play, fans inevitably think about the original Bo Jackson.

However, the younger Jackson is establishing his own career rather than trying to duplicate the Hall of Fame-level career of his namesake.

Bo Jackson and Ohio State’s 2026 Season

After an impressive freshman campaign, Ohio State entered the 2026 season expecting Jackson to remain an important part of its running game.

The Buckeyes’ running back room is deep, with players including Ja’Kobi Jackson, Isaiah West and other talented backs competing for opportunities. Still, Bo Jackson’s explosive ability gives him a unique role.

Ohio State’s 2026 season opened with a dominant victory over Ball State, and Jackson was among the Buckeyes’ contributors.

His ability to turn a routine handoff into a long touchdown remains one of the biggest reasons Ohio State fans are excited about his future.

FAQs

Is Ohio State Bo Jackson related to the famous Bo Jackson?

No. Ohio State running back Bo Jackson is not related to the legendary athlete Bo Jackson.

Is Bo Jackson at Ohio State the son of Bo Jackson?

No. His father is Lamar Jackson. The Ohio State player’s full name is Lamar Jackson Jr.

What is Ohio State Bo Jackson’s real name?

His real name is Lamar Jackson Jr., while Bo is his longtime nickname.

Why is he called Bo Jackson?

His nickname is a tribute to the legendary Bo Jackson, the former Auburn, Raiders and Royals star.

Did Bo Jackson really climb a wall?

Yes. The famous Bo Jackson had a spectacular baseball play involving the outfield wall. The moment became one of the memorable examples of his extraordinary athleticism.

Did the famous Bo Jackson play at Ohio State?

No. The legendary Bo Jackson played college football at Auburn, where he won the Heisman Trophy.

Who is Ohio State’s Bo Jackson’s father?

His father is Lamar Jackson. He is not the Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Conclusion

Bo Jackson’s name creates an unusual connection between one of America’s most famous athletes and one of Ohio State’s emerging football stars.

The important distinction is simple: Ohio State’s Bo Jackson is not related to the legendary Bo Jackson and is not his son. The Buckeyes running back is Lamar Jackson Jr., and his nickname is a tribute to the iconic Auburn star.

Meanwhile, the famous “Bo Jackson climbs wall” moment belongs to the original Bo Jackson and comes from his remarkable baseball career. The younger Jackson is now creating his own highlights at Ohio State, giving football fans another reason to remember the name.