April 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs the football for the scarlet team while pursued by safety Jayden Bonsu (21) of the grey team during the first half of the LifeSports spring football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
For a long time, Ohio State’s running back position was filled by future NFL players. From Carlos Hyde to Ezekiel Elliott to J.K. Dobbins, there was a string of talent during the Urban Meyer era. However, in the Ryan Day era, there have been some standout players, but issues like inconsistent offensive line play and frequent injuries among the backs have hindered their careers.
The 2024 Ohio State running backs have the potential to be the best group Day has had. With a strong duo at the top and promising incoming freshmen, even the departures from last year’s squad won’t hold the team back.
The Ohio State Running Backs Set to Impress in 2024
Lost Depth
Following the Cotton Bowl loss, the Buckeyes saw four departures from their 2023 running back roster. Two players opted to transfer, while one declared for the NFL Draft.
Miyan Williams, potentially the most significant loss, is aiming to be drafted this year. Despite not often being the primary ball carrier, Williams provided a consistent change of pace. Throughout four years, he rushed 258 times for 1,555 yards and 20 touchdowns. His absence will be felt as the season progresses and the top two backs face wear and tear.
Chip Trayanum also departed, this time via the Transfer Portal, ending up at Kentucky. Though not a primary back, he notably capped off a game-winning drive against Notre Dame. Similarly to Williams, Trayanum served as a backup and relief option.
Dallan Hayden was expected to step up next. Despite limited opportunities, he showed potential to lead the offense. In 2022, he contributed significantly as part of a trio of running backs, even starting against Michigan as a true freshman.
Lastly, Evan Pryor entered the transfer portal, eventually landing in Cincinnati. His departure won’t heavily impact the team in 2024. Pryor’s role was more focused on the future, having seen limited game time over the past three years, including missing the 2022 season due to a pre-season patellar tear.
A Coach Turning to the Dark Side
One thing you don’t often see at Ohio State is someone leaving for one particular school. Former Ohio State running back coach Tony Alford did just that by heading north to Michigan.
There have been various opinions surfacing like, “Oh, he wasn’t even that good,” but in reality, they’re not entirely right or wrong.
Alford was with the Buckeyes from 2015 through 2023. While his recruiting might not have matched up to the levels of Brian Hartline or Tim Walton, he still brought in talented players like Dobbins, Mike Weber, and TreVeyon Henderson. He also coached Elliott for a season.
Ultimately, it seemed like it was time for both parties to go their separate ways. Alford probably seeks to continue advancing in college football, like most assistants. With Chip Kelly’s hiring—who appears content just calling plays—and the fact that Alford’s contract wasn’t renewed past this season, it seemed he had reached his ceiling at Ohio State. While moving to Michigan may seem like a lateral move, he now has a new contract and the future of the Michigan program is uncertain. Alford could potentially become an offensive coordinator there in a short time.
The Incumbent
The Buckeyes’ roster is stacked with talent from top to bottom. The wide receivers consistently impress, and the secondary lives up to its “Best In America” reputation. Moreover, the top two Ohio State running backs could potentially form the best duo in the country.
TreVeyon Henderson, the incumbent, chose to return rather than enter the NFL Draft. Since his breakout in the first game of the 2021 season, he’s been the top running back in the room. Unfortunately, his career has been marked by a series of “what ifs.” What if Henderson had stayed healthy?
Last year, Ohio State glimpsed what a fully healthy veteran Henderson could bring to the team. He’s still quick, elusive, and a threat out of the backfield. If injuries hadn’t held him back, his stats would likely surpass his current totals of 2,745 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground.
A Dynamic One-Two Punch
Arguably the most exciting addition to the Ohio State running back group is Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss. While Henderson, if healthy, could handle a heavy workload and run the ball 250 times if needed, Judkins will significantly lighten his load.
During his time at Ole Miss, Judkins rushed for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns in just two years. Now, Ohio State boasts a combined total of 5,470 yards and 63 touchdowns on the ground between its top two backs. Additionally, the duo racked up 850 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
Both backs have the ability to carry an offense. By utilizing both, they can maximize their carries and keep each other fresher than if one carried the entire load. Henderson boasts a career average of 6.2 yards per carry, while Judkins maintains an even 5.0. With a shared workload, they’re likely to improve on these already impressive averages.
Next Men Up
With the departure of four players, concerns about depth have emerged. Behind Henderson and Judkins are two true freshmen and a walk-on, which understandably raises some worries. Many fans have expressed a desire for Ohio State to pursue a transfer running back. They were even rumored to be interested in former UMass transfer Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, although it seems he’s leaning towards Michigan State.
Even without Lynch-Adams, the running back room has potential if managed properly.
Walk-on TC Caffey has seen limited action, with just two appearances in 2022, totaling 10 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. Most of his playing time came during the blowout win over Toledo.
As for the two freshmen, they’re still developing and unlikely to have an immediate breakout like Henderson or Dobbins. However, both showed promise in the Spring Game, although it’s important to note they were facing third and fourth-string players.
James Peoples showcased his vision and elusiveness, tallying 40 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Meanwhile, Sam Williams-Dixon also impressed, leading the game with 11 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown. Both freshmen showed they could be productive off the bench with some further development.
It’s a New Day
With Day finally handing off playcalling duties to a proven coach, he can take more of a general manager role. While the offense is still under his purview, Kelly will be calling the plays. The good news for the Ohio State running backs is that Kelly has a track record of maximizing his backs’ potential.
If the Spring Game is any indication — and often, it’s not — Ohio State’s rushing attack should be stronger in 2024. In a nod to Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes opened with a T formation. Interestingly, Judkins was the first running back with the starters, hinting he could be RB1 come August.
The success of this group will depend on maximizing the top two while managing depth effectively. While it would be exciting to see Judkins and Henderson each with 20 carries for 200+ yards and two touchdowns against early-season MAC opponents, they must be cautious. If Day’s handling of Hayden is any indication, he’ll limit Peoples and Williams-Dixon’s playing time to preserve potential redshirts.
Ideally, the top two backs should play the first half against weaker opponents like Akron, Western Michigan, Marshall, and even Michigan State. The freshmen and Caffey can handle the second half, keeping Henderson and Judkins fresh for tougher matchups against teams like Oregon and Iowa.
This year’s Ohio State running back group has the potential to be the best in the Day era.
