A Joey Bosa Ohio State jersey has a twist most college jerseys do not. The No. 97 on the front belonged to two brothers. Joey wore it first, from 2013 to 2015. When Nick Bosa arrived in 2016, he took the same number. If you are buying a 97, it helps to know what each of them did in it.
Joey Bosa, 2013 to 2015
Eleven Warriors' "99 Warriors" series, which ranks the best players to wear each Ohio State number, gives No. 97 to Joey. His three seasons:
- 2013: Freshman All-America honors from Sporting News, 44 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
- 2014: 13.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and a consensus All-American. Ohio State won the Big Ten and the national championship.
- 2015: Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year again, and a consensus All-American again.
He was drafted third overall in 2016 by the San Diego Chargers.
Nick Bosa, 2016 to 2018
When Nick showed up for fall camp in 2016, Eleven Warriors noted he was wearing "the same No. 97" as his brother. Teammate Raekwon McMillan said Nick "walks, talks and acts" like Joey.
Nick had his own run in the number. In 2017 he won the Smith-Brown Award as the Big Ten's top defensive lineman and was a first-team All-American. Core muscle surgery in September 2018 ended his college career early, and he was drafted second overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2019.
So whose jersey is it?
Technically, a No. 97 Ohio State jersey with "BOSA" on the back fits either brother. Most people searching for a "Joey Bosa Ohio State jersey" want the 2014 title-season player. Some fans buy it as a family tribute, since it covers both. Either reading is fair.
It is also a good gift for siblings who are both Buckeyes fans. One jersey, two players, and a story about brothers that is easy to tell.
Scarlet, white or black
A lot of searches include "Joey Bosa black Ohio State jersey," so color is worth a moment:
- Scarlet is the home look, the one most fans see at home games.
- White is the road look, cooler for September games.
- Black or split designs are for fans who want something less common.
Look closely at the product photos. Split designs and black alternates can look quite different from the standard home and away jerseys, so make sure you are getting the version you want.
Sizing tips
- Measure a shirt that fits you well across the chest.
- Compare that number with the size chart on the listing.
- Size up if you want room for layers in a cold November game in Columbus.
To compare versions, see this Joey Bosa Ohio State jersey page and check each design before choosing a size.
The short version
Joey made 97 famous with 13.5 sacks and a national title in 2014. Nick kept it going with an All-American season in 2017. Wearing the number means wearing both of those runs at once.