Bo Jackson had an impressive freshman season at Ohio State. He played often and quickly became a name fans remembered.
Early on, people also learned something else. His real name is Lamar Jackson. He is not related to the legendary Bo Jackson. He is also not related to NFL star Lamar Jackson. This is simply Bo Jackson, the true freshman running back for the Buckeyes.
After a strong first year, rumors have started to swirl. The talk is that Jackson is now asking for a very large NIL deal.
Some reports suggest the amount being discussed is bigger than what former Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson is making in the NFL this year. Henderson is on a rookie contract with the New England Patriots. As a second round pick, his deal is worth more than $11 million over four years.
One rumor making the rounds claims Jackson wants more NIL money than Henderson is earning in his first NFL season. It also suggests the number could be higher than what Henderson and Quinshon Judkins made together at Ohio State last year.
It is important to slow down here. The NIL world is messy. Information is hard to verify. Not every rumor is true.
This does not mean Jackson is being greedy. It does not mean he plans to leave Ohio State. It does not mean a deal is being demanded right now.
What it does show is where college football currently stands.
Jackson grew up in Cleveland. He came to Columbus and delivered on the field right away. After just one season, there is already an expectation that money talks will happen again.
In many ways, college football now feels like constant free agency. Players perform. Then conversations restart. Sometimes every year.
This puts programs in a tough spot. Talent is harder to keep. Stability is harder to maintain.
If Ohio State wants Bo Jackson to stay, they will have to work through whatever the real situation turns out to be. That is simply the reality of modern college football.