This weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes begin their 2026 season. They will take on Ball State in what is now Senior Day, which Ross Bjork decided to change. It shouldn't be a game that causes too many problems, but that doesn't mean that they don't have some things to show off.
Heading into Week 1, the Buckeyes have several players who will be taking the field for the first time. One of them is exciting freshman running back Legend Bey. Bey struggled early in Fall camp, but now he is getting the ultimate praise from one of the senior leaders on the team.
Ohio State center Carson Hinzman heaps praise on Legend Bey
While speaking to the media on game week, senior center Carson Hinzman gave Legend Bey the ultimate praise. He was the first running back that Hinzman mentioned.
"Young Legend coming in, he's a great athlete. He's a great, key role player we're going to have on this team. Obviously, he's played quarterback, so he's got a little bit more of an understanding of the scheme as a whole with what we are doing."
The fact that Hinzman mentioned Bey right off the bat is a great sign for the future of what Bey will be able to do for this team. He is going to be used in a multitude of different ways this season. While he will primarily be used at running back, he could be moved into a receiver role in the future.
The Buckeyes have a lot of depth at the running back position. Bo Jackson is the starter, and Isaiah West has looked really good in the Fall, as well. Both players got increased reps for the first time in their careers, and they were able to do stuff with those carries.
Expect to see Legend Bey play in Week 1 against the Cardinals
If you want to see what kind of talent Bey has, you're not alone. Since he was injured for the Spring Game, fans have not been able to see what he is capable of with this team. However, you should expect to see him get quite a few reps on Saturday against the Cardinals.
Bey might get a few reps with the first team, but the majority of his reps will come after the game is well in hand. The second half is when he will shine the most. If he plays anything like Hinzman thinks he can, it will be the start of him getting a lot of future reps in games that matter.
Of course, Bey isn't the only talented freshman who will be getting reps on Saturday afternoon. Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd will both be getting significant reps on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, Jay Timmons is going to see plenty of snaps at cornerback.
Fans have been waiting quite a bit for the season to start. Now that it's finally here, fans can get an opportunity to see fresh faces do some good things.
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