Ohio State will be without Ja'Kobi Jackson for Saturday's Big Ten game against No. 5 Indiana, a notable setback for a Buckeyes offense that has leaned on its run game as a key indicator of success. Jackson was listed out on Wednesday in Ohio State's Big Ten availability update after being seen limping following Saturday's win over Maryland.
The loss matters because Jackson had started the past two games and was part of the running back rotation behind Bo Jackson, who had been the team leader in rushing yards before the injury update. Ohio State's backfield has been a steady part of the offense this season, and the Buckeyes will need to adjust quickly against an Indiana team that presents one of its toughest tests of the year.
What Jackson's absence means
Ohio State's running game has been a telltale sign of success for the Buckeyes. In their three losses since 2025, the Buckeyes have been outrushed each time, which puts added pressure on the offense to stay on schedule on the ground. Jackson's absence removes one half of a tandem that has helped keep the rushing attack productive.
Bo Jackson entered the update as the team's rushing leader, while Ja'Kobi Jackson had added 460 yards on 89 carries with four rushing touchdowns. The Buckeyes will now have to find those snaps elsewhere against an Indiana defense that Ryan Day described as a major challenge.
A difficult matchup awaits
Day said the game will be a huge challenge and emphasized Indiana's defensive front, calling it one of the biggest challenges Ohio State will face all season. That is especially relevant given the matchup history: last year, Ohio State lost 13-10 to the Hoosiers in the Big Ten championship game.
Ohio State still had five starters who did not play against Maryland but were not listed on the injury report, so the Buckeyes are not dealing with a full-scale injury wave. Even so, losing a running back who had recently moved into the starting role changes the shape of the game plan. With No. 4 Ohio State set to face No. 5 Indiana, the margin for error is already thin, and the ground game may again be central to the outcome.
