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LGHL Roster turnover in Ohio State’s running game raises questions for 2025
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Roster turnover in Ohio State’s running game raises questions for 2025
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Ohio State isn’t set up for the same level of success running the ball in 2025 as it was in 2024, but the Buckeyes might be great at it again anyway.
Ohio State lost its top three rushers from 2024 with the departures of Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, and quarterback Will Howard. The Buckeyes saw 2,302 yards walk out the door between those top three rushers from a year ago.
Even if no other Buckeye had gained a yard, those three did enough to finish No. 45 in the nation — ahead of 90 other schools’ totals. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and backup quarterback Devin Brown combined to take an additional 36 rushing yards out the door with them.
Counting only running backs, Ohio State returns 250 rushing yards from last year’s team, split unevenly between James Peoples (197) and Sam Williams-Dixon (53). The latter was in the portal for a time, so things were almost even more ridiculous than they are.
Leaping out of the portal with Williams-Dixon comes West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson, Jr. The veteran running back put up decent numbers with the Mountaineers in 2024, rushing for 734 yards on 163 carries (4.5 yards per attempt) and 11 touchdowns. Those 11 touchdowns are nine more than Peoples (2) and Williams-Dixon (0) had combined.
The previous three paragraphs may not have gotten to the point quickly, but they represent just how much Ohio State needs to replace this fall. There is talent, but aside from Donaldson, it is largely untested.
The running game may be further affected by other departures. Ryan Day got a head start on replacing center Seth McLaughlin when he injured his Achilles tendon late last season, but he is now gone for good. Both starting tackles and guard-turned-tackle Donovan Jackson are also gone, meaning not only will fresh faces be toting the rock this fall, but there will be new linemen trying to open holes for them.
All of this is a good illustration of what was so ironic about the OSU Spring Game. The running game looked miles ahead of where it should be. The pessimists out there are likely seeing the performances by the offensive line, Donaldson, Peoples, Williams-Dixon, and Bo Jackson as an indictment of a thin defensive line, and it’s possible that was a big contributor. We likely won’t know that until this fall.
However, the optimists are excited right now. There appear to be four capable running backs, and the line may simply be coming together quickly under new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen.
The truth likely falls somewhere between the pessimistic and optimistic ways of looking at the Spring Game. A lack of depth on defensive line likely played a role in what we saw. Additionally, some defensive players may be easing up on the throttle in some instances, knowing they can’t unload on their teammates in the annual glorified practice. That can work in favor of the offense.
But Ohio State running backs also tend to excel. One need look no further than the two that just left to play on Sundays in the NFL.
In 2023, Henderson shared the backfield with Miyan Williams, Dallan Hayden, and Chip Trayanum — all good football players. Going back a little further, you can add names like Master Teague, Trey Sermon, J.K. Dobbins, and Mike Weber.
You get it. Ohio State reloads (not rebuilds) at running back. The offensive line is a bit more unpredictable from year to year, but it’s generally somewhere between solid and quite good.
We’ll find out in a few months, but the biggest loss in the running game could be someone who never threw a block or carried the ball once in 2024 — former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. The hope is that Brian Hartline, a man who notably recruits and coaches up the country’s best wide receivers year after year, learned quite a bit from Kelly and his predecessors to keep Ohio State’s running game humming in 2025.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning in any discussion about Ohio State’s running game in 2025 that there will be more pressure on it to perform than last season. The Buckeyes had an experienced quarterback last season. In 2023, however, Ohio State had a first-year starter under center in Kyle McCord. The running game produced 800 fewer yards than in 2024 and no 1,000-yard rusher (as opposed to two).
It’s oversimplifying to say that it was because defenses didn’t fear McCord as much as Howard or C.J. Stroud. Kelly was a key component of last year’s success, and offensive linemen, wide receivers, and running backs have changed over the past three seasons.
This column has spent a lot of words setting the stage for a conclusion, but there isn’t one. I can’t predict how all the changes will affect the running game. Thinking through it logically, it makes sense that the Buckeyes will take a step backward from their No. 18 finish in rushing yards (2,662) and No. 11 finish in rushing touchdowns (34) in 2024.
But it doesn’t have to fall off a cliff. The talent is there — both in the backfield and on the line. If the line coaching doesn’t fall off, and if whoever wins the starting quarterback position plays well, Ohio State will be just fine in the rushing department.
Continue reading...
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Ohio State isn’t set up for the same level of success running the ball in 2025 as it was in 2024, but the Buckeyes might be great at it again anyway.
Ohio State lost its top three rushers from 2024 with the departures of Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, and quarterback Will Howard. The Buckeyes saw 2,302 yards walk out the door between those top three rushers from a year ago.
Even if no other Buckeye had gained a yard, those three did enough to finish No. 45 in the nation — ahead of 90 other schools’ totals. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and backup quarterback Devin Brown combined to take an additional 36 rushing yards out the door with them.
Counting only running backs, Ohio State returns 250 rushing yards from last year’s team, split unevenly between James Peoples (197) and Sam Williams-Dixon (53). The latter was in the portal for a time, so things were almost even more ridiculous than they are.
Leaping out of the portal with Williams-Dixon comes West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson, Jr. The veteran running back put up decent numbers with the Mountaineers in 2024, rushing for 734 yards on 163 carries (4.5 yards per attempt) and 11 touchdowns. Those 11 touchdowns are nine more than Peoples (2) and Williams-Dixon (0) had combined.
The previous three paragraphs may not have gotten to the point quickly, but they represent just how much Ohio State needs to replace this fall. There is talent, but aside from Donaldson, it is largely untested.
The running game may be further affected by other departures. Ryan Day got a head start on replacing center Seth McLaughlin when he injured his Achilles tendon late last season, but he is now gone for good. Both starting tackles and guard-turned-tackle Donovan Jackson are also gone, meaning not only will fresh faces be toting the rock this fall, but there will be new linemen trying to open holes for them.
All of this is a good illustration of what was so ironic about the OSU Spring Game. The running game looked miles ahead of where it should be. The pessimists out there are likely seeing the performances by the offensive line, Donaldson, Peoples, Williams-Dixon, and Bo Jackson as an indictment of a thin defensive line, and it’s possible that was a big contributor. We likely won’t know that until this fall.
However, the optimists are excited right now. There appear to be four capable running backs, and the line may simply be coming together quickly under new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen.
The truth likely falls somewhere between the pessimistic and optimistic ways of looking at the Spring Game. A lack of depth on defensive line likely played a role in what we saw. Additionally, some defensive players may be easing up on the throttle in some instances, knowing they can’t unload on their teammates in the annual glorified practice. That can work in favor of the offense.
But Ohio State running backs also tend to excel. One need look no further than the two that just left to play on Sundays in the NFL.
In 2023, Henderson shared the backfield with Miyan Williams, Dallan Hayden, and Chip Trayanum — all good football players. Going back a little further, you can add names like Master Teague, Trey Sermon, J.K. Dobbins, and Mike Weber.
You get it. Ohio State reloads (not rebuilds) at running back. The offensive line is a bit more unpredictable from year to year, but it’s generally somewhere between solid and quite good.
We’ll find out in a few months, but the biggest loss in the running game could be someone who never threw a block or carried the ball once in 2024 — former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. The hope is that Brian Hartline, a man who notably recruits and coaches up the country’s best wide receivers year after year, learned quite a bit from Kelly and his predecessors to keep Ohio State’s running game humming in 2025.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning in any discussion about Ohio State’s running game in 2025 that there will be more pressure on it to perform than last season. The Buckeyes had an experienced quarterback last season. In 2023, however, Ohio State had a first-year starter under center in Kyle McCord. The running game produced 800 fewer yards than in 2024 and no 1,000-yard rusher (as opposed to two).
It’s oversimplifying to say that it was because defenses didn’t fear McCord as much as Howard or C.J. Stroud. Kelly was a key component of last year’s success, and offensive linemen, wide receivers, and running backs have changed over the past three seasons.
This column has spent a lot of words setting the stage for a conclusion, but there isn’t one. I can’t predict how all the changes will affect the running game. Thinking through it logically, it makes sense that the Buckeyes will take a step backward from their No. 18 finish in rushing yards (2,662) and No. 11 finish in rushing touchdowns (34) in 2024.
But it doesn’t have to fall off a cliff. The talent is there — both in the backfield and on the line. If the line coaching doesn’t fall off, and if whoever wins the starting quarterback position plays well, Ohio State will be just fine in the rushing department.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State fans think Emeka Egbuka has big rookie season, Sonny Styles goes in first round
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- 0 Replies
Ohio State fans think Emeka Egbuka has big rookie season, Sonny Styles goes in first round
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
Throughout the year, we will be asking and answering questions about various Ohio State teams, the players, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33, or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
Last month, Ohio State wrapped up another impressive NFL Draft, leading the way with the second-most players ever taken in a single draft. But, because we are Buckeye fans and can’t simply revel in any current success, we took that historic occasion and spun it forward to see what’s next for current and former Buckeyes.
So, last week’s LGHL Fan Survey brought to you by FanDuel asked questions about how OSU rookies would do in their first year in the league and which of their former teammates is most likely to join them a year from now.
Below are the results from the survey, so check them out and see if you agree with the Buckeye Nation consensus. If not, head to the comments at the bottom of the page and sound off. If you want to put your money where your mouth is and try to predict some outcomes for future seasons, you can do that at the FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. This survey was brought to you by FanDuel.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
Throughout the year, we will be asking and answering questions about various Ohio State teams, the players, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33, or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
Last month, Ohio State wrapped up another impressive NFL Draft, leading the way with the second-most players ever taken in a single draft. But, because we are Buckeye fans and can’t simply revel in any current success, we took that historic occasion and spun it forward to see what’s next for current and former Buckeyes.
So, last week’s LGHL Fan Survey brought to you by FanDuel asked questions about how OSU rookies would do in their first year in the league and which of their former teammates is most likely to join them a year from now.
Below are the results from the survey, so check them out and see if you agree with the Buckeye Nation consensus. If not, head to the comments at the bottom of the page and sound off. If you want to put your money where your mouth is and try to predict some outcomes for future seasons, you can do that at the FanDuel Sportsbook.
Question 1: Which Ohio State first-round pick will have the best rookie season?
Question 2: Other than Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate, which Buckeye is most likely to be a first-round pick in 2026?
Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. This survey was brought to you by FanDuel.
Continue reading...
LGHL Power Two Podcast: Looking at best fits for the 2025 Ohio State draft class
- News
- 0 Replies
Power Two Podcast: Looking at best fits for the 2025 Ohio State draft class
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Which players were drafted where, and which fits we like the best.
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s Power Two Podcast. On this show, we talk about Big Ten and SEC football… and everyone else. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host DaNaysia Jones. Lock in as we run a power sweep through the college football landscape.
This week, we close a chapter. This is DJ and Jordan’s last episode on the Land Grant Podcast Network. We discuss this on the episode and share where you can find the show moving forward!
In the news, DJ shares an update about the House settlement. The judge is very concerned about potentially 5,000 athletes losing their roster spots once roster limits are implemented. The deadline is fast approaching for the requested remedy.
In other news, five Iowa State football coaching staff members were punished by the NCAA for over $100,000 in gambling winnings from betting on their own teams. We also discuss the update on the Shedeur Sanders prankster.
In the two minute drill, we discuss the 14 Ohio State draftees. DJ and Jordan share their thoughts about team fits and their favorite picks.
In the power sweep, Jordan shares the up and coming draft eligible players to watch at Ohio State. Not all of these players will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, but they are definitely building their cases to be high picks.
In the two minute warning, Jordan congratulates all 2025 graduates. DJ shares excitement about the return of the WNBA and A’ja Wilson’s recent Nike commercial.
Follow the show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Continue reading...
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Which players were drafted where, and which fits we like the best.
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s Power Two Podcast. On this show, we talk about Big Ten and SEC football… and everyone else. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host DaNaysia Jones. Lock in as we run a power sweep through the college football landscape.
This week, we close a chapter. This is DJ and Jordan’s last episode on the Land Grant Podcast Network. We discuss this on the episode and share where you can find the show moving forward!
In the news, DJ shares an update about the House settlement. The judge is very concerned about potentially 5,000 athletes losing their roster spots once roster limits are implemented. The deadline is fast approaching for the requested remedy.
In other news, five Iowa State football coaching staff members were punished by the NCAA for over $100,000 in gambling winnings from betting on their own teams. We also discuss the update on the Shedeur Sanders prankster.
In the two minute drill, we discuss the 14 Ohio State draftees. DJ and Jordan share their thoughts about team fits and their favorite picks.
In the power sweep, Jordan shares the up and coming draft eligible players to watch at Ohio State. Not all of these players will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, but they are definitely building their cases to be high picks.
In the two minute warning, Jordan congratulates all 2025 graduates. DJ shares excitement about the return of the WNBA and A’ja Wilson’s recent Nike commercial.
Follow the show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Continue reading...
LGHL BOOOOM! Four-star WR Kayden Dixon-Wyatt commits to Ohio State
- News
- 0 Replies
BOOOOM! Four-star WR Kayden Dixon-Wyatt commits to Ohio State
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Four-star 2026 WR Kayden Dixon-Wyatt | via @kayyydeenn on Twitter
Brian Hartline hauls in another elite pass-catcher.
Ohio State’s recruiting efforts are generally among the best in the country as a whole, but there is nobody better at hauling in elite talent than wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. The former Buckeye has managed to stockpile star power like none other, and as a result the program has produced five first-round wideouts in the NFL Draft in just the last four years.
Continuing to build on that ‘WRU’ legacy, Ohio State had already landed five-star Chris Henry Jr. out of Mater Dei in the 2026 class. Not yet satisfied, Hartline went ahead and added his blue chip high school teammate as well on Sunday in high four-star wideout, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt.
Dixon-Wyatt comes in as the No. 6 WR and No. 59 player nationally per 247Sports’ rankings, with some in the industry believing he will finish as a five-star prospect by the end of this cycle. It is a huge victory for Ohio State to earn the commitment of the 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver over the likes of West Coast programs like Oregon and USC, who pushed hard for the California native.
In the end, Hartline and the Buckeyes’ track record of developing wide receivers won out over the more NIL-driven tactics of the Ducks and Trojans.
“If you want to be an elite receiver, you go to Ohio State,” Dixon-Wyatt said following his commitment announcement.
Dixon-Wyatt ultimately chose Ohio State out of nearly 40 offers, with Hartline first extending the Buckeyes’ offer back in March of 2024. OSU was one of five finalists for the Golden State standout, with the aforementioned Oregon and USC in the mix as well as Alabama and Texas. Dixon-Wyatt made several stops in Columbus throughout his recruiting process, including most recently for the Ohio State spring game.
Playing opposite Henry Jr. with the Monarchs, KDW caught 50 passes for 693 yards and five touchdowns as a junior this past season. It followed up a sophomore campaign in which he hauled in 33 receptions for 512 yards and six TDs.
Here is some of what 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins had to say of Dixon-Wyatt in his scouting report:
Dixon-Wyatt is the fourth and likely final wide receiver commit for Ohio State in the 2026 class, joining Henry Jr. as well as four-star in-state prospect Jaeden Ricketts and Texas three-star Brock Boyd, whom the Buckeyes flipped from TCU. With a quartet of players at the position in the fold before the summer has even begun, Hartline can get an early jump on the 2027 class, where he has already earned a commitment from the nation’s No. 1 wideout in Jamier Brown.
Needless to say, Ohio State’s position as a wide receiver factory is going nowhere anytime soon. The Buckeyes of course return college football’s best overall player in Jeremiah Smith in 2025 alongside studs like Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and Mylan Graham, with young guys like Quincy Porter and Phillip Bell waiting in the wings. With Henry Jr. and KDW after them, Hardline has built something special in Columbus.
Overall, Dixon-Wyatt’s commitment brings the Buckeyes to 12 total commits in the 2026 class, a group that now ranks No. 3 in the country behind only USC (who has 27 commits) and Notre Dame. Ohio State still has a bunch of work to do in this cycle, so definitely look for more names to be added to the ledger before the team takes the field again come August.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Four-star 2026 WR Kayden Dixon-Wyatt | via @kayyydeenn on Twitter
Brian Hartline hauls in another elite pass-catcher.
Ohio State’s recruiting efforts are generally among the best in the country as a whole, but there is nobody better at hauling in elite talent than wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. The former Buckeye has managed to stockpile star power like none other, and as a result the program has produced five first-round wideouts in the NFL Draft in just the last four years.
Continuing to build on that ‘WRU’ legacy, Ohio State had already landed five-star Chris Henry Jr. out of Mater Dei in the 2026 class. Not yet satisfied, Hartline went ahead and added his blue chip high school teammate as well on Sunday in high four-star wideout, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt.
Dixon-Wyatt comes in as the No. 6 WR and No. 59 player nationally per 247Sports’ rankings, with some in the industry believing he will finish as a five-star prospect by the end of this cycle. It is a huge victory for Ohio State to earn the commitment of the 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver over the likes of West Coast programs like Oregon and USC, who pushed hard for the California native.
In the end, Hartline and the Buckeyes’ track record of developing wide receivers won out over the more NIL-driven tactics of the Ducks and Trojans.
“If you want to be an elite receiver, you go to Ohio State,” Dixon-Wyatt said following his commitment announcement.
Dixon-Wyatt ultimately chose Ohio State out of nearly 40 offers, with Hartline first extending the Buckeyes’ offer back in March of 2024. OSU was one of five finalists for the Golden State standout, with the aforementioned Oregon and USC in the mix as well as Alabama and Texas. Dixon-Wyatt made several stops in Columbus throughout his recruiting process, including most recently for the Ohio State spring game.
Playing opposite Henry Jr. with the Monarchs, KDW caught 50 passes for 693 yards and five touchdowns as a junior this past season. It followed up a sophomore campaign in which he hauled in 33 receptions for 512 yards and six TDs.
Here is some of what 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins had to say of Dixon-Wyatt in his scouting report:
Dixon-Wyatt is the fourth and likely final wide receiver commit for Ohio State in the 2026 class, joining Henry Jr. as well as four-star in-state prospect Jaeden Ricketts and Texas three-star Brock Boyd, whom the Buckeyes flipped from TCU. With a quartet of players at the position in the fold before the summer has even begun, Hartline can get an early jump on the 2027 class, where he has already earned a commitment from the nation’s No. 1 wideout in Jamier Brown.
Needless to say, Ohio State’s position as a wide receiver factory is going nowhere anytime soon. The Buckeyes of course return college football’s best overall player in Jeremiah Smith in 2025 alongside studs like Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and Mylan Graham, with young guys like Quincy Porter and Phillip Bell waiting in the wings. With Henry Jr. and KDW after them, Hardline has built something special in Columbus.
Overall, Dixon-Wyatt’s commitment brings the Buckeyes to 12 total commits in the 2026 class, a group that now ranks No. 3 in the country behind only USC (who has 27 commits) and Notre Dame. Ohio State still has a bunch of work to do in this cycle, so definitely look for more names to be added to the ledger before the team takes the field again come August.
Continue reading...