Ohio State Football is Providing a Blueprint for Running Back Success — And Outsiders Like It
When you think of Ohio State football, what usually comes to mind are powerhouse wide receivers, prolific quarterbacks, and some of the most legendary defenses in college football history. However, in recent years, a less-recognized but equally vital component of Ohio State’s success has been their running back development. Under the direction of head coach Ryan Day, and with a staff dedicated to nurturing talent at every position, Ohio State has become the go-to destination for high-caliber running backs looking to make an impact on the college gridiron and then transition smoothly to the NFL. In fact, the Buckeyes have recently set a blueprint for developing running backs that is now being admired by outsiders across the college football landscape. From elite recruiting to innovative training programs, Ohio State is reshaping the way running backs are developed—and the results speak for themselves.
As we delve deeper into Ohio State’s approach to running back success, we’ll explore why the Buckeyes have emerged as a model for other programs, how they’ve developed some of the best running back talent in the country, and why so many recruits are looking at Ohio State as the ideal place to showcase their skills before making the leap to professional football.
Ohio State’s Running Back Legacy: The Foundation of Success
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a long history of developing standout running backs, with names like Archie Griffin, Eddie George, and J.K. Dobbins etching their names into the history books. Ohio State has produced a steady stream of elite running backs who’ve been staples in the NFL for years, with many playing for some of the league’s most successful teams.
- Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history, set the standard for running back excellence at Ohio State. His elusive moves and consistent performances made him one of the greatest players to ever step onto the field.
- Eddie George, who went on to have a stellar NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, followed in Griffin’s footsteps, bringing a powerful, bruising style to the Buckeyes’ offense that helped them win a national championship in 1997.
- More recently, J.K. Dobbins, who set several records at Ohio State and later thrived as a key contributor to the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL, continued the trend of top-tier running back development.
The success of these players and their NFL careers created an expectation that Ohio State would continue to produce running backs at a high level. And in many ways, Ohio State’s commitment to running back success is seen as a part of the program’s commitment to being a complete football team that can dominate both in the air and on the ground. With a strong offensive line, excellent coaching, and a desire to balance the offensive attack, the Buckeyes have figured out how to make the most of the running back position.
The Ryan Day Era: A New Age of Running Back Development
Under Ryan Day, Ohio State has taken a more modern approach to running back development, mixing traditional strengths with new-age techniques. Day, who took over as head coach in 2019, inherited a program with a storied history of success at the running back position. However, he’s used his offensive-minded philosophy to create a system that allows running backs to thrive while keeping them fresh, productive, and highly effective in both the running and passing games.
Ohio State’s offensive philosophy is predicated on spreading the field, making defenses cover the entire width of the gridiron, and opening up running lanes for backs. The Buckeyes’ spread offense keeps opposing defenses on their toes, and it’s helped produce running backs who are versatile and capable of thriving in a variety of situations. It’s this innovative blend of offense that has allowed Ohio State to develop one of the best running back pipelines in the country.
For instance, TreVeyon Henderson, a standout running back for Ohio State, was a highly regarded recruit who entered the program as one of the nation’s top high school players. Henderson, who had an impressive freshman campaign in 2021, embodies the type of athlete that Day has been able to develop—explosive, versatile, and highly skilled. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield, in addition to running between the tackles, has made him a key part of Ohio State’s offensive success.
Ohio State’s Running Back Room: A Depth of Talent
Ohio State’s running back room is one of the most loaded in college football. The Buckeyes have multiple running backs on their roster with high potential, ensuring that there’s never a shortage of talent in the backfield. This depth is crucial in a modern college football landscape where injuries, fatigue, and the need for fresh legs are ever-present issues.
Beyond Henderson, Ohio State has a steady pipeline of top-tier running backs. Players like Miyan Williams and Chip Trayanum have contributed significantly to Ohio State’s offensive attack, providing the Buckeyes with balance and versatility in the running game. Williams, who has shown an ability to break tackles and grind out yards, has served as a valuable complement to Henderson’s speed and agility.
Having a deep and diverse running back room also allows Ohio State to rotate players and keep their legs fresh throughout the course of the season. This is particularly valuable in a college football season where injuries to running backs are common, and having multiple capable backs is a recipe for success. It’s a method that has worked wonders for Ohio State, allowing them to maintain a balanced offense and keep opposing defenses guessing.
Running Back Recruiting: Ohio State’s Elite Talent Pool
Ohio State’s success at recruiting elite running back talent is another crucial element of their blueprint. The Buckeyes are known for their ability to recruit some of the top running back prospects in the country, and their coaching staff’s focus on developing this talent once they arrive on campus is second to none.
In 2025, Ohio State secured the commitment of Dallan Hayden, a 4-star running back from Nashville, Tennessee. Hayden is one of the most coveted recruits in his class, and his decision to commit to Ohio State speaks volumes about the program’s standing among top high school recruits. Under Day, Ohio State has established itself as a destination for running back talent, and recruits know that the Buckeyes have a system in place that will help them succeed both in college and at the next level.
The recruiting pitch is simple: Ohio State produces elite running backs who thrive in a modern, dynamic offense and then transition seamlessly to the NFL. With an emphasis on versatility, speed, and power, the Buckeyes have attracted some of the nation’s best high school running backs, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down.
Why Outsiders Are Taking Notice
What makes Ohio State’s success with running backs particularly interesting is the increasing attention the program is receiving from outsiders—coaches, analysts, and fans alike—who are impressed by how Day and his staff have transformed the running back position.
One key aspect of Ohio State’s success is their ability to balance the running back’s role within the offense while emphasizing their overall development. In the past, running backs were often seen as one-dimensional players who simply ran the ball between the tackles. Ohio State has changed that perspective by integrating running backs into both the passing game and the blocking schemes, ensuring that they are multifaceted threats who can impact the game in multiple ways.
Other college football programs have begun to take notice of this approach. Teams from across the country, including perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson, have adopted similar philosophies of developing running backs who are proficient in both the run and the pass. Additionally, programs like LSU and Florida State have started to prioritize not just athleticism but also versatility and the ability to perform in multiple facets of the game.
Impact on the NFL Draft: Ohio State Running Backs as Pro Prospects
One of the most significant aspects of Ohio State’s running back development is how it impacts their players’ futures in the NFL. In recent years, the Buckeyes have been able to produce running backs who not only excel at the college level but also make an immediate impact in the NFL. J.K. Dobbins was a second-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens, and Ezekiel Elliott, another Ohio State product, has become one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs with the Dallas Cowboys.
The success of these players in the NFL is a testament to the way Ohio State prepares their running backs for the next level. Ohio State’s training facilities, emphasis on strength and conditioning, and focus on player development have created a pipeline to the NFL for running backs looking to succeed at the highest level.
The Blueprint: What Other Programs Can Learn
Ohio State’s success with running backs is not just about talent; it’s about their ability to develop and nurture players. The Buckeyes have created a blueprint for success that focuses on:
- Versatility: Developing running backs who can excel both in the ground game and the passing game.
- Depth: Building a deep and talented running back room to ensure fresh legs and maintain a balanced offensive attack.
- Recruiting: Attracting the nation’s top high school running backs with a system that allows them to thrive in a modern offensive scheme.
- Development: Emphasizing overall player development, ensuring that running backs are prepared for both college success and NFL opportunities.
This blueprint is being admired by other programs, as many schools are beginning to realize the importance of developing versatile, complete running backs who can make a difference in all phases of the game.
Ohio State’s Running Back Success Is Just the Beginning
Ohio State football has proven that they are not just a powerhouse in recruiting and developing talent—they are shaping the future of running back play in college football. The Buckeyes’ combination of talent, innovation, and player development is setting a new standard for how running backs are groomed for success. As Ohio State continues to build on this blueprint, expect more top-tier running backs to emerge from their program, contributing to the ongoing legacy of excellence and success that defines the Ohio State football program.