The Ohio State Buckeyes have a true freshman on the roster who they plan on deploying in the backfield and lining up along the line of scrimmage during the 2026 College Football season. OSU may even integrate him on special teams.
As Cleveland.com's Stefan Krajisnik noted, the Buckeyes could deploy 4-star quarterback recruit Legend Bey as a receiver, a running back, and in special teams based on the early developments at spring practice.
"While Bey was an example for a coaching point, his usage in practice was also a reminder of a bright career ahead," Krajisnik prefaced before saying, "Day said Tuesday he anticipates Bey playing both running back and receiver, comparing him to former Buckeye Curtis Samuel. That was on display Thursday with Bey going through a drill with Ohio State’s receivers before jogging over to the running backs.
"He also got reps returning punts, rotating in alongside Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss and De’Zie Jones."
Bey, a star for the North Forney Falcons in Texas 6A football, finished his career with more rushing yards than passing yards. This was always a possible situation for his career, as the Buckeyes recruited him as a running back. Bey is now in line for more snaps early in his career.
Legend Bey could return kickoffs for Ohio State in 2026
The punt-return unit will continue to have captain Brandon Inniss and Jeremiah Smith as its primary returners. Inniss led the team with 181 punt return yards and added another 66 in returns. Luckily for Bey, though, the kickoff team could use a new return man in its rotation.
Ohio State is losing Lorenzo Styles Jr. to the NFL draft after he had the first return for the Buckeyes for a touchdown in over 15 years against the UCLA Bruins during a 48-10 win in November. Inniss will still be the primary return man, but Bey has the runway to make a name for himself in his freshman season in special teams.