Identifying Ohio State’s next standout running back was Ryan Day’s most important offseason choice.

As Ohio State enters another highly anticipated football season, the question of who will emerge as the team’s next standout running back looms large over the program. Head coach Ryan Day faces one of the most crucial decisions of his tenure: identifying and developing the next elite running back in a long lineage of storied players at Ohio State. The Buckeyes have produced some of the best running backs in college football history, from Archie Griffin to Ezekiel Elliott, and this offseason represents a pivotal moment in ensuring the team continues to churn out premier talent at the position.

This decision is about more than just choosing the player with the most natural talent—it’s about finding someone who can carry the offense, complement Ohio State’s high-flying passing attack, and keep the program competitive at the highest level. With the program’s commitment to sustained excellence, Day’s choice regarding the running back position could have significant implications for both the immediate future of the team and the broader legacy of Ohio State football.

A Rich Tradition of Running Backs

To understand the magnitude of this decision, it’s important to first appreciate the history of Ohio State running backs. The Buckeyes have long been known for their strong, bruising backs who can run through defenses with power and speed. Ohio State’s legacy in producing running backs stretches back to the legendary Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history. Griffin’s success at Ohio State set the tone for the position, with subsequent stars like Eddie George, who won the Heisman in 1995, and more recent standouts like Ezekiel Elliott, who led Ohio State to a national championship in 2014.

This tradition is not just a matter of nostalgia; it’s also a reflection of Ohio State’s offensive philosophy. The Buckeyes have always relied on a balanced offensive attack, and a strong running game has been a cornerstone of their success. The running back is often the player who helps set the tone for the offense, especially when the team needs to control the clock, move the chains, or deliver in clutch situations.

In the modern college football landscape, where spread offenses and passing attacks dominate, the importance of a premier running back may not seem as urgent. However, for Ohio State, the running game remains essential, and the next player to emerge as a true game-changer in the backfield could be just as significant as any wide receiver or quarterback on the roster.

Ryan Day’s Offensive Philosophy and the Need for a Star Running Back

Ryan Day, who took over as head coach of Ohio State in 2019, has built a reputation as an offensive mastermind, particularly known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and create high-powered passing offenses. Under his leadership, quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields have thrived, breaking records and leading Ohio State to consistently dominant seasons.

However, Day understands the value of balance in his offense. While Ohio State’s air attack has garnered much attention, Day knows that a strong running game can take pressure off his quarterbacks and open up opportunities in the passing game. In his first few years at Ohio State, Day inherited talented running backs like J.K. Dobbins and Master Teague, both of whom helped solidify the running game.

Dobbins, in particular, left a lasting legacy at Ohio State. His vision, speed, and physicality made him one of the best backs in the country. His departure to the NFL in 2020 created a void at the running back position, one that Day has spent the past few seasons trying to fill. While players like Teague and Trey Sermon have had their moments, the position has yet to see a player of Dobbins’ caliber emerge.

For Day, the ideal situation would be to find a back who can blend explosiveness with the ability to carry the load over the course of an entire season. The Buckeyes need a player who can break off big runs, consistently gain yards after contact, and hold up physically as the workhorse back.

Evaluating the Roster: Who Are the Candidates?

The first step in Day’s decision-making process involves evaluating the talent already on the roster. Ohio State has a few potential candidates who could emerge as the next great running back, each with different strengths and weaknesses. While none of these players have had the sustained success of a Dobbins or Elliott, they all bring something unique to the table.

Miyan Williams

One of the top candidates for the starting running back role is Miyan Williams, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his time at Ohio State. Williams is a powerful back with impressive vision and the ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 225 pounds, Williams has the frame to absorb contact and keep moving forward. His physical style of running makes him a natural fit for an offense that wants to establish the run and wear down opposing defenses.

However, Williams’ biggest challenge has been consistency. While he’s shown the ability to break off big runs, he’s also struggled with ball security and has sometimes been prone to injuries. To be the lead back for Ohio State, Williams needs to prove that he can stay healthy and be consistent in terms of both his production and decision-making.

Travon Henderson

Travon Henderson, a highly touted recruit who enrolled at Ohio State as one of the top running back prospects in the nation, presents a different type of skill set. Henderson is a dynamic, fast, and elusive back who can make defenders miss in space. He has the home-run hitting ability that Ohio State fans have become accustomed to from previous greats like Elliott. Henderson’s speed and agility make him a dangerous weapon on any given play, and he has the potential to be a game-changer for Day’s offense.

However, Henderson is still a relatively unproven commodity at the collegiate level. While he had a strong debut season, his ability to handle a full workload as the team’s featured back is still in question. It will be important for Henderson to demonstrate that he can be effective between the tackles, as well as in the passing game, where Ohio State has increasingly relied on running backs to be versatile and contribute in various ways.

Evan Pryor

Evan Pryor is another candidate who brings a unique skill set to the table. Pryor is known for his speed, quickness, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He’s a bit more of an all-purpose back compared to Williams or Henderson, and his ability to contribute in the passing game could make him a valuable weapon in Ohio State’s offense. Pryor’s versatility gives Day flexibility in how he uses him, whether as a change-of-pace back or in more of a hybrid role.

While Pryor hasn’t had the chance to carry a heavy workload just yet, he has the potential to become a standout player for the Buckeyes if he continues to develop. His pass-catching ability could allow Day to get creative in how he integrates him into the offense, especially in situations where the defense is focused on stopping the run.

Recruiting and Transfer Portal: A Potential Solution?

Given the talent already on the roster, Day might also look to the recruiting trail or the transfer portal to find a player who can immediately contribute at running back. The transfer portal has become a significant factor in college football recruiting, allowing teams to quickly bolster their rosters with experienced players. While Ohio State has a deep recruiting pipeline, if Day feels that none of the players on the current roster are ready to step into a lead role, he may look for a proven running back who can come in and make an immediate impact.

There are also incoming freshmen to consider. Day has consistently brought in high-level recruiting classes, and it’s possible that a freshman could emerge as a key contributor at running back. The key will be finding someone who is both ready physically and mentally to contribute at the highest level right away.

The Importance of Player Development

Ultimately, the decision of who will emerge as Ohio State’s next standout running back will come down to player development. Day and his coaching staff will have to focus on developing whichever back they choose to lean on as the featured player in the offense. This involves not just refining their skills, but also ensuring they are prepared for the physical demands of being a workhorse back. Running backs at Ohio State are expected to play through injury, carry the ball in critical moments, and produce when the team needs them the most.

If Day is successful in identifying the right player and helping them develop into a consistent, dominant force, the Buckeyes will have a strong foundation for their offense going forward. A standout running back can alleviate pressure on the passing game and keep Ohio State’s offense balanced, giving them a better chance at competing for national championships year after year.

In the grand scheme of things, Ohio State’s next standout running back might seem like a small piece of the puzzle. However, for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, it’s a critical decision that could determine the direction of the offense and the success of the program in the coming seasons. Day has shown his ability to lead a potent passing attack, but now he must find a running back who can complement that, continue Ohio State’s tradition of elite ball carriers, and carry the team when needed.

Whoever emerges as Ohio State’s next standout running back will be under the microscope, carrying not just the football, but the hopes of a program that prides itself on its legacy of excellence. The pressure is on, but it’s also an opportunity to write the next chapter in a storied tradition. For Ryan Day, identifying this player and developing them into a star could be the key to another championship run.