Is One of Ohio State’s Freshman Running Backs in the Mix for Playing Time in 2025?
As the 2025 college football season draws nearer, Ohio State finds itself in an exciting position. The Buckeyes have a roster brimming with talent, especially at the running back position, where competition for playing time is fierce. With a tradition of producing NFL-caliber running backs, including Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins, and Trey Sermon, Ohio State has established itself as one of the premier programs for producing elite running backs. Now, in 2025, one of the team’s freshman running backs is generating significant buzz and could be in line for meaningful playing time.
In this deep dive, we will examine Ohio State’s running back room for 2025, analyzing the freshmen in the mix, their potential to earn playing time, and how they fit into the program’s broader offensive strategy. We’ll also discuss the dynamics of Ohio State’s recruiting pipeline and why their freshman running backs are attracting attention even before they have taken a snap at the collegiate level.
Ohio State’s Running Back Tradition and 2025 Outlook
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been a factory for producing top-tier running backs, and that tradition is set to continue in 2025. The program has always been known for having a strong, well-coached rushing attack that uses power, speed, and versatility to control the game. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the running back room will be one of the most closely watched areas of the roster.
At the top of Ohio State’s depth chart for 2025, veteran backs like Miyan Williams and Travion Henderson are expected to take the lion’s share of the carries. Williams, a fifth-year senior, has had a solid career with the Buckeyes, providing a blend of power and experience in the backfield. Henderson, one of the most hyped running backs in Ohio State’s recent history, has flashed immense potential but has struggled with injuries in previous seasons. Both are experienced players capable of handling the bulk of the workload for the Buckeyes.
However, as the 2025 season unfolds, Ohio State’s freshman running backs could find themselves in the mix for playing time. In particular, two freshmen stand out as potential contributors: Derrick Williams and Marcus Hill. With the right preparation, these freshmen could complement the veteran presence in the backfield or even earn a spot in the rotation.
Derrick Williams: A Freshman Ready to Make an Impact
One of the most highly anticipated members of Ohio State’s 2025 freshman class is Derrick Williams, a five-star running back from Florida. Williams is a dynamic talent with the ability to change the course of a game with his speed, agility, and vision. Standing at 6-foot, 210 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame for a college running back and the physical attributes that make him dangerous in both the running and passing games.
Williams’ Skill Set:
Williams is a well-rounded back who can handle multiple aspects of the game. His speed and burst allow him to hit the hole quickly and break away for long gains. His elusiveness and vision make him a dangerous open-field runner who is difficult to bring down once he gets into the second level. Williams also has impressive pass-catching skills, which could make him a dual-threat option out of the backfield, a valuable asset in Ohio State’s up-tempo offense.
Why Williams is in the Mix for Playing Time:
Given his raw talent, Williams is one of the leading candidates to make an immediate impact in 2025. His versatility as a runner and receiver would allow Ohio State’s offensive coordinator to use him in various situations, whether it be as a traditional running back or in a more creative, pass-catching role. With the potential to break off big plays and contribute in the passing game, Williams could carve out a meaningful role for himself in the Buckeyes’ offense.
Although the presence of veterans like Miyan Williams and Travion Henderson means there is significant competition for carries, Williams’ skill set may be too much for the coaching staff to overlook. Even as a freshman, he could earn playing time by providing a change of pace and contributing in different situations, such as on third downs or in short-yardage scenarios.
Moreover, the Buckeyes are known for their “next man up” mentality, and as injuries or fatigue take their toll on the starting running backs, Williams could see an expanded role as the season progresses. His athleticism and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game make him a player to watch throughout the 2025 campaign.
Marcus Hill: A Power Back with a Unique Skill Set
Another freshman running back to keep an eye on is Marcus Hill, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound back out of Georgia. Hill may not have the same blazing speed as Williams, but he compensates with his power, vision, and ability to run through defenders. He is a true workhorse back who thrives in between the tackles, pounding the rock and wearing down opposing defenses.
Hill’s Skill Set:
Hill’s most impressive trait is his physicality. He has the strength to break arm tackles and the vision to find running lanes in tight spaces. While not as fast as Williams, Hill is still a capable runner with good burst once he gets going. He has a strong lower body and is difficult to bring down once he gets into the open field. Additionally, Hill has shown solid blocking skills, which makes him a reliable option on passing downs as well.
Why Hill Could Contribute in 2025:
Although Hill’s skill set is different from that of Williams, his power running style could be valuable for Ohio State, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. The Buckeyes have traditionally relied on a variety of running styles, from power backs to more elusive playmakers, and Hill’s physicality fits that mold.
In 2025, Hill could provide the Buckeyes with a bruising option when they need to grind out tough yards. With his ability to wear down defenses and finish drives, Hill could find a niche role within Ohio State’s offense. In a program that values balance and depth, having a back like Hill who can churn out tough yards will be an asset in critical situations.
Additionally, Hill’s presence as a physical back would provide a nice contrast to the speed and explosiveness of Williams and the experience of Henderson and Miyan Williams. His ability to grind down defenses and keep the chains moving could be key in certain game scenarios, and his role could expand as the season progresses.
The Running Back Rotation: How Freshmen Fit Into Ohio State’s Offensive Strategy
In 2025, Ohio State’s running back room is stacked with talent, and the freshman backs, Williams and Hill, are certainly in the mix for playing time. However, with established players like Miyan Williams and Travion Henderson at the top of the depth chart, both freshmen will need to prove themselves in practice and in games to earn significant snaps.
The Role of Freshman Running Backs in Ohio State’s Offense:
Ohio State’s offensive strategy under head coach Ryan Day has always emphasized a balanced attack. The Buckeyes use a strong rushing game to set up the pass, and this philosophy plays into the versatility and depth that their running back room provides. With multiple capable running backs, including the freshmen, the Buckeyes can rotate players in and out of the game to keep defenders fresh and maintain a high level of execution on offense.
For the freshmen to earn playing time, they will need to stand out in specific areas. Derrick Williams’ ability to contribute in the passing game and provide explosive plays could make him an obvious candidate for third-down and change-of-pace situations. On the other hand, Marcus Hill’s power running style may make him an asset in short-yardage situations and in games where Ohio State needs to grind out tough yards.
The Need for Depth:
In college football, especially at a program like Ohio State, injuries and fatigue can impact even the most talented players. Having depth at running back allows the coaching staff to avoid overworking any single player and gives them flexibility in how they approach each game. Williams and Hill, along with the veteran backs, will provide that depth, allowing the coaching staff to keep players fresh and make sure they have the right combination of backs for each game situation.
Moreover, Ohio State has a strong track record of rotating running backs in and out of the lineup to maximize their effectiveness. Freshmen often play key roles in the rotation, particularly in the early parts of the season, where they can gain valuable experience in live game situations. Whether it’s for special teams or mop-up duty in blowout wins, the freshman running backs will have opportunities to prove their worth.
Freshmen Running Backs Ready to Contribute
In 2025, Ohio State is once again poised for a championship run, and the running back position is a critical component of their success. With established players like Miyan Williams and Travion Henderson leading the charge, the Buckeyes also have two freshmen, Derrick Williams and Marcus Hill, who could play key roles in the team’s offense. Both have unique skill sets that make them viable candidates for playing time, and their versatility will allow Ohio State to keep defenses on their toes.
While the competition for carries will be fierce, especially with the presence of experienced backs, Ohio State has a long history of making use of their depth at the running back position. Derrick Williams’ speed and explosiveness, along with Marcus Hill’s power and physicality, give the Buckeyes a well-rounded running back corps that can attack opponents in multiple ways. If these freshmen continue to develop and prove themselves in practice, there is no doubt they will be in the mix for significant playing time in 2025.
The future is bright for Ohio State’s running backs, and with fresh talent like Williams and Hill, the Buckeyes’ ground game could continue to be one of the best in the nation. The 2025 season may be their breakout year.