C.J. Donaldson’s Transfer to Ohio State Football Began with a Physical Transformation
In the highly competitive world of college football, athletes are constantly evolving—both mentally and physically—in order to keep up with the demands of their teams and the sport itself. For C.J. Donaldson, a star running back with a promising future, his transfer to Ohio State football marked a new chapter in both his career and his physical development. Not only did he bring his talents to one of the most storied programs in the country, but his journey to Ohio State also began with a dramatic physical transformation that would better equip him for the demands of Big Ten football and the high level of competition that comes with playing for the Buckeyes.
Donaldson, who initially started his college career at West Virginia, had already built a reputation for being a dynamic and powerful running back. However, his decision to transfer to Ohio State wasn’t just about joining one of the best football programs in the nation—it was about taking his game to another level. This meant rethinking how he prepared his body, improving his strength, agility, and overall fitness in ways that would make him an even more dangerous weapon in the backfield.
Ohio State, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, has built its offense around explosive playmakers. The Buckeyes have consistently churned out NFL-ready talent at nearly every position, and the running back spot is no exception. With stars like Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins in recent memory, Ohio State’s backfield has been a key component of the team’s offensive success. Donaldson knew that joining Ohio State meant stepping into some big shoes, and he embraced the challenge.
But to thrive in such an environment, Donaldson knew that he would need to transform his body and his approach to training. This journey to Ohio State began not just with a decision to transfer, but with a deep commitment to personal growth, focusing heavily on strength training, nutrition, and conditioning.
The Early Days at West Virginia
C.J. Donaldson’s college football career began at West Virginia, where he quickly became known for his explosive plays and ability to break tackles. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 230 pounds, Donaldson was a physical presence on the field. His size and power allowed him to push defenders back and gain extra yardage after contact, an essential trait for any successful running back. His performance during his first few seasons with the Mountaineers was impressive, as he accumulated significant yardage both on the ground and in the air.
But while Donaldson’s natural ability was evident, there was one glaring issue: he was not yet at the level of physical conditioning required for the elite competition he was seeking. Playing in a competitive conference like the Big 12 and transitioning to a higher level of play would require more than just raw talent; it would require precision, speed, and efficiency.
When he made the decision to enter the transfer portal after the 2024 season, he knew that moving to a program like Ohio State would challenge him in new ways. While his past performances at West Virginia had been solid, the competition and expectations at Ohio State were on a whole new level. The Buckeyes’ football program, known for producing NFL-caliber athletes, would not simply accept any player into its ranks. C.J. Donaldson would have to prove that he was more than just a talented player—he would need to become a more complete and refined athlete.
A New Start: Physical Transformation Begins
Upon his transfer to Ohio State, Donaldson was immediately introduced to the Buckeyes’ state-of-the-art training facilities and the program’s rigorous approach to physical development. His first step was undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by Ohio State’s performance staff, which included strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists, and trainers. The goal was clear: transform C.J. Donaldson into an elite athlete who could thrive in Ohio State’s high-octane offense and meet the demands of a rigorous Big Ten schedule.
1. Building Strength and Power
The first element of Donaldson’s physical transformation involved increasing his strength and power to ensure he could succeed against the Big Ten’s stout defenses. While Donaldson had already demonstrated power in his game at West Virginia, Ohio State’s coaching staff believed there was room for improvement, particularly when it came to generating power on contact and finishing runs.
Under the guidance of Ohio State’s strength and conditioning coach, Donaldson focused heavily on compound lifts like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses, which helped him increase his overall strength. He also added more work on explosive movements, including plyometrics and agility drills. The goal was not just to build size but to increase functional strength—meaning the ability to push past defenders with more force and make quicker, sharper cuts in the open field.
The strength gains were apparent almost immediately. Donaldson’s running style was already one of power, but the added muscle mass and force generation enabled him to run through tackles with greater efficiency. This was especially important in a physical conference like the Big Ten, where defenses are known for their toughness and ability to stop the run.
2. Speed and Agility: Transforming into a Dual-Threat Back
While strength was a major focus, Ohio State’s coaching staff also wanted to improve Donaldson’s speed and agility. Big Ten defenses would present new challenges, and the ability to change direction quickly and accelerate in short spaces was critical to maximizing Donaldson’s natural abilities.
C.J. Donaldson worked with Ohio State’s agility coaches to improve his footwork and quickness. Speed drills, cone drills, and ladder drills became a staple of his training regimen. The coaches emphasized short bursts of speed to improve his acceleration in tight spaces, which would be vital for him to break free from defenders after making a cut or change of direction.
In addition, Donaldson focused on maintaining a low center of gravity to improve his balance and agility. This enabled him to make more fluid, decisive cuts on the field while lowering the risk of injury. His ability to change direction quickly and accelerate in and out of breaks became an important asset, as he could now utilize his size and strength while still having the ability to outrun defenders in the open field.
3. Nutrition and Recovery: Fueling the Transformation
One of the most underrated aspects of Donaldson’s transformation was his focus on nutrition and recovery. As an elite-level athlete, his body needed proper fuel to perform at the highest level. Ohio State’s nutritionists worked closely with Donaldson to create a personalized meal plan designed to support his rigorous training regimen while helping him maintain muscle mass and increase his speed.
The Buckeyes’ nutrition staff placed a strong emphasis on macronutrients, ensuring Donaldson was consuming enough protein to support muscle growth and enough carbohydrates to fuel his intense workouts. Additionally, a strong recovery routine was implemented, including post-workout stretching, cryotherapy, and massage therapy, which allowed him to recover quickly from the physical demands of the sport.
This focus on recovery and nutrition helped Donaldson keep his body in optimal condition throughout the offseason. His ability to sustain energy during long practices and recover quickly between sessions gave him a crucial edge when it came to competing for a starting role in Ohio State’s backfield.
The Impact on Ohio State’s Running Game
As the 2025 season approached, C.J. Donaldson was ready to showcase his transformation. No longer just a talented running back with raw potential, Donaldson had become a more refined, explosive, and well-conditioned athlete capable of handling the rigors of Big Ten football. His physical transformation made him one of the most complete backs in the country and an ideal fit for Ohio State’s fast-paced, power-running offense.
With his size, speed, and strength, Donaldson was poised to complement Ohio State’s already potent offense, alongside the talented quarterbacks and wide receivers. His versatility as both a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield allowed the Buckeyes to utilize him in a variety of ways, making their offense even more difficult to defend.
Donaldson’s ability to break tackles, coupled with his newfound speed and agility, made him a constant threat on the field. Whether it was grinding out tough yards between the tackles or taking the ball outside and outrunning defenders, Donaldson brought a unique dimension to the Ohio State offense. With his combination of power and finesse, he was ready to leave his mark on one of the best programs in the nation.
A New Chapter in His Career
As C.J. Donaldson begins his journey with the Ohio State Buckeyes, it’s clear that his transfer isn’t just a physical change—it’s a complete reinvention of his approach to the game. His commitment to transforming his body and elevating his skills has not only prepared him for the high expectations at Ohio State but has also given him the chance to compete at the highest level of college football.
For the Buckeyes, Donaldson’s presence in the backfield will be a critical piece of their pursuit of a Big Ten Championship and, ultimately, a National Championship. His physical transformation has made him a complete back—one that can dominate both in the trenches and in open space. As Ohio State’s offense looks to continue its dominance, C.J. Donaldson’s story is one of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness, all culminating in a chance to make his mark on the national stage.