Buckeyes running back Legend Bey is righting the wrongs of his offseason, having lost his black stripe on Tuesday. Bey's Ohio State career had several low points that made the accomplishment ever sweeter.
It started in the spring. Bey had his sacred Scarlet and Gray No. 2 jersey stripped for not meeting program standards. Then, he was suspended during fall camp. It was unclear what Bey's future would look like.
Now, there's no reason to worry.
By shedding his black stripe, Bey has proven that he is Buckeye material in Ryan Day's eyes. That's all that matters as he navigates what should be an intriguing true freshman season, battling strong depth in OSU's backfield.
Legend Bey can still settle into Ohio State's RB3 role
With Bo Jackson also back on track, Isaiah West looking like a potential RB1 himself, and Florida transfer Ja'Kobi Jackson sneaking some first-team reps, Bey theoretically doesn't have to develop into an instant contributor. Beyond this season, though, Bey has the talent to be the future at the position. Especially after David Gabriel Georges chose to stay in Tennessee.
It'd be best for the long-term health of the room if Bey were to outplay one-and-done seventh-year Ja'Kobi Jackson and get the reps that funnel down from Bo and West. The latter two have at least one more season of eligibility plying their trade after this one, though one of them may seek a truer workhorse role at some point.
The Buckeye experience pays well in the portal. Both could prove to be good enough to pursue the NFL after the 2027 season based on early returns from Bo's 2025 season and West's improved performance in camp. Maximizing snaps could be someone's game plan at some point.
After the way Bey's career in Columbus started, there were a few across the fanbase worried that his run could be one-and-done. That black stripe is gone, though. There's a clear future for an intriguingly athletic back on the Buckeyes.
Ryan Day has given Legend Bey clear instructions on how to improve
Day certainly isn't hiding it from Bey or anyone else what it will take for the running back to get onto the field and be the weapon the coaching staff foresees him being.
“Legend is learning how to play the position, but you certainly can see the talent,” Day said last week during fall camp. “He had some big plays, some explosive plays today. I think if he continues to grow and continues to get better, all of those things, take care of the football. You can see what a weapon he can become for us.”
Ball security is a priority on the practice field for a Day-coached team. If Bey doesn't start protecting the ball, he won't see the field in an extended role. Ditto if he doesn't start getting more comfortable hitting gaps instead of bouncing to the outside.
There's now more faith than ever that Bey is understanding the process. Bey is back on track and where he needs to be.
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