Jackson Named to Doak Walker Preseason Watch List

DALLAS, Texas – Ohio State running back Bo Jackson was named to the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list, as announced by PwC SMU Athletic Forum Tuesday afternoon.

Jackson was one of three true freshmen to top 1,000 rushing yards last season (Caleb Hawkins, North Texas; Nate Sheppard, Duke). Additionally, he was the fifth Buckeye true freshman to top 1,000 rushing yards for a season after Robert Smith (1,126 yards in 1990), Maurice Clarett (1,237 yards in 2002), JK Dobbins (1,403 yards in 2017) and TreVeyon Henderson (1,248 yards in 2021).

Doak Walker Award Process
Prior to the end of the college football season, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors convenes to select semifinalists for the award. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, comprised of sports writers, television commentators, analysts, radio sports personalities and former All-America and All-Pro football players, then narrows the field to three finalists and determines the recipient.

The recipient of the Doak Walker Award is announced in December during The Home Depot College Football Awards and is honored at the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet in Dallas in January.

Ohio State Preseason Honors

Phil Steele:
- Six Ohio State players were named preseason All-Americans by the publication while 16 Buckeyes were placed on the preseason All-Big Ten team.

Athlon Sports:
- Seven Ohio State players were named preseason All-Americans by the publication while 16 Buckeyes were placed on the preseason All-Big Ten team.

Walter Camp:
- Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and redshirt junior offensive lineman Austin Siereveld were placed on the first team while redshirt sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin was listed as a preseason second team selection by the organization.

Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List:
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
- Jermaine Mathews Jr.
AFCA Good Works Nominees:
- Jaylen McClain
- Head coach Ryan Day
Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000
- Ohio State football had 19 players selected to the Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000. The list includes a representative from almost every position room at Ohio State including five defensive lineman, four offensive linemen, three safeties and three wide receivers.

Big Ten Preseason Honors List:
- Julian Sayin
- Jeremiah Smith
Maxwell Preseason Watch List:
Mannelly Preseason Watch List:
- Dalton Riggs
Outland Trophy Watch List:
Nagurski Watch List:
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
- Jaylen McClain
Mackey Award Watch List:
- Hunter Welcing
Sporting News Preseason All-Americans:
- Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was placed on the first time while offensive linemen Luke Montgomery and Austin Siereveld were listed on the second team.
Rimington Trophy Watch List:
- Carson Hinzman
Lou Groza Watch List:
- Connor Hawkins
Hornung Award Watch List:
- Brandon Inniss
On3 Preseason All-Americans:
- Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was placed on the first time while offensive linemen Luke Montgomery was listed on the second team and Austin Siereveld was placed on the third team.
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List:
- Jaylen McClain
Lombardi Award Watch List:
Thrope Award Watch List:
- Earl Little Jr.
ESPN Preseason All-America
- Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin were both named to the first team ahead of the 2026 season.
Walter Camp Watch List:
- Julian Sayin
- Jeremiah Smith

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