After losing Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson to the NFL last season, Ohio State's run game hasn't been as explosive as it used to be. While freshman running back Bo Jackson has led the Buckeyes with 1,035 rushing yards this season, Ohio State has relied more on the passing game than anything else.
Quarterback Julian Sayin certainly has played well this year, and it helps with a wide receiver like Jeremiah Smith to throw to. However, the Buckeyes need a stronger run game to scare opposing defenses into playing Ohio State straight up.
Head coach Ryan Day could just keep going with Jackson, or he could look for a seasoned running back in the transfer portal. There is one player who has announced his intent to enter the transfer portal that could be very intriguing for Ohio State to take a look at.
Very interestedâ€¦đŸ‘€ https://t.co/PSDKpE1I1V
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) December 24, 2025
Ohio State needs to consider bringing in Cam Cook from the transfer portal
Jacksonville State running back Cam Cook announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, and he is going to be a big name to look at by many teams. Cook led the FBS in rushing yards with 1,659, which is over 600 more than Jackson had for Ohio State. Cook also had 16 rushing touchdowns for Jacksonville State.
Not only did he lead the FBS in rushing yards, but he also had 10 games in which he rushed for over 100 yards. Jackson had six games in which he completed that feat, but he also had only five rushing touchdowns. Overall, Ohio State had 24 rushing touchdowns on the year, and Cook had just eight fewer with 16 as one person for Jacksonville State.
If the Buckeyes want to bolster their run game next season, going and getting Cook from the portal when it opens in a few days is an absolute must. Not only would adding Cook help with his explosive run game, but he could pair extremely well with Jackson.