**Skull Session: Josh McDaniels Calls TreVeyon Henderson the Fastest Running Back He’s Coached, and Ohio State Becomes the First Program to Appear in 1,000 AP Top 25 Polls**
The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in college football, and this week brought yet another milestone to celebrate. The program became the first in history to appear in 1,000 Associated Press (AP) Top 25 polls, a testament to its sustained excellence over decades. Meanwhile, former Buckeye running back TreVeyon Henderson continues to make waves in the NFL, with Josh McDaniels, his current offensive coordinator, calling him the fastest running back he’s ever coached. These two developments highlight Ohio State’s enduring legacy and its ability to produce elite talent.
### **Ohio State Reaches Historic AP Poll Milestone**
Since the AP Poll began in 1936, Ohio State has been a near-constant presence, a reflection of its winning tradition. On Monday, the Buckeyes officially became the first program to reach 1,000 appearances in the rankings, further cementing their status as one of college football’s blue bloods. The achievement speaks to the program’s consistency under legendary coaches like Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer, as well as current head coach Ryan Day.
Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage has ensured that it rarely falls out of contention. Even in rebuilding years, the Buckeyes remain a ranked team more often than not. For context, the next closest programs—Oklahoma, Alabama, and Michigan—still trail by a significant margin. This milestone isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of Ohio State’s ability to reload rather than rebuild, maintaining championship expectations year after year.
### **Josh McDaniels Praises TreVeyon Henderson’s Elite Speed**
While Ohio State celebrates its historic ranking achievement, one of its former stars is earning high praise at the next level. TreVeyon Henderson, now a rookie in the NFL, has already impressed his coaches with his blazing speed. Josh McDaniels, the offensive coordinator for Henderson’s new team, recently called him the fastest running back he’s ever coached—a significant statement considering McDaniels has worked with dynamic backs like Kevin Faulk, Stevan Ridley, and even former Buckeye Ezekiel Elliott.
Henderson’s speed was always his calling card at Ohio State. As a true freshman in 2021, he burst onto the scene with breakaway touchdowns and a rare ability to accelerate past defenders. His combination of vision, agility, and straight-line speed made him one of the most dangerous backs in college football. Now, in the NFL, that same explosiveness is turning heads. McDaniels’ comments suggest that Henderson could have a major role in his offense, potentially as both a runner and a receiving threat out of the backfield.
### **What Henderson’s Success Means for Ohio State**
Henderson’s early NFL success is another reminder of Ohio State’s ability to develop elite running backs. From Eddie George to Ezekiel Elliott to J.K. Dobbins, the Buckeyes have a long history of producing NFL-caliber talent at the position. Henderson’s transition to the pros will only strengthen Ohio State’s reputation as a destination for top-tier running back recruits.
Current Buckeyes like Dallan Hayden and incoming freshman Jordan Lyle will look to follow in Henderson’s footsteps. With Ohio State’s offensive line consistently ranking among the best in the nation, the program remains an ideal place for running backs to showcase their skills before moving on to the NFL.
### **The Future of Ohio State Football**
As the Buckeyes celebrate their 1,000th AP Poll appearance, the focus remains on the future. Ryan Day has built a program that expects to compete for national championships every season. With a loaded 2024 roster featuring star quarterback Will Howard, elite receiver Emeka Egbuka, and a defense loaded with five-star talent, Ohio State is once again a favorite to win the Big Ten and contend for a playoff spot.
Meanwhile, TreVeyon Henderson’s NFL journey is just beginning. If his early impressions hold true, he could become the next great Buckeye running back to excel at the professional level. For Ohio State fans, these developments are just another reminder of why their program stands above the rest—consistently great on the field and unmatched in producing NFL talent.
### **Conclusion**
Ohio State’s 1,000th AP Poll appearance is a historic achievement, underscoring the program’s sustained excellence over nearly a century of college football. At the same time, TreVeyon Henderson’s emergence in the NFL—bolstered by Josh McDaniels’ high praise—highlights the Buckeyes’ ability to develop game-changing talent. Together, these stories reinforce why Ohio State remains one of the most respected and feared programs in the sport. Whether in college or the pros, the Buckeyes’ impact on football is undeniable, and this week’s milestones are just the latest proof.
