The Ohio State Buckeyes have become a staple in the College Football Playoff, qualifying for the event for a second consecutive time in 2025.
One of the main reasons the program made it back to the postseason is talented running back Bo Jackson, who easily broke the 1,000-yard mark on his way to stardom.
Jackson, who is from Ohio, shares the name of the legendary two-sport star Bo Jackson. His father, Lamar Jackson, also has a famous name of his own.
So, are the two Bo Jacksons related, and does Bo’s dad have any ties to the NFL QB with the same name?
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Is Bo Jackson related to Bo Jackson?
Although the two football players share the same name, there isn't any relation. Ohio State's Jackson is from Ohio, whereas the 90s football and baseball star who played for the Auburn Tigers, Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Royals, is from Bessemer, Ala.
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Bo Jackson Ohio State real name
Ohio State's Jackson was born Lamar Jackson Jr, per ESPN's Eli Lederman. His nickname of "Bo" was given to him at an early age and pays homage to the Auburn and Raiders star. The nickname stuck and is still used today.
Is Bo Jackson related to Lamar Jackson?
No, Bo Jackson is not related to Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Bo Jackson's father, Lamar Jackson, shares no relation to the Heisman-winning trophy quarterback out of Louisville, despite them having the same name.
Jackson is listed as the 23rd most popular family name in the United States, according to My Name Stats.
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How did Bo Jackson get his nickname?
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Bo's father, Lamar, admired the two-sport star, and gave his son the nickname "Bo." He also thought that Bo rolled off the tongue more easily than Lamar Jr. Did.
Bo Jackson high school sports
In high school, Jackson was rated as a 4-star running back prospect. Per the 247Sports Composite, he was the No. 10 overall running back in the class of 2025, and ranked No. 6 overall out of his home state of Ohio. He signed with the Buckeyes despite receiving offers from several other major programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Indiana, Michigan and Oregon, to name a few.
But Jackson was also a multi-sport athlete in high school, just like the namesake of his nickname did. Per MaxPreps, Jackson played baseball as well as running track and field. From a 2023 article:
He's also a state championship-level track and field sprinter and led the Cleveland area with a.542 batting average on the diamond last spring.
The outlet adds that as a sophomore, he held the record at his high school in the 100- and 200-meter events.
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Where is Bo Jackson from?
Bo Jackson is from Cleveland, Ohio. He played his high school sports out of Villa Angela-St. Joseph, a Catholic prep school located in the northeastern part of Cleveland. The school sits just along Lake Erie.
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