Ohio State has been searching for a running back to add to the 2027 recruiting class all year long. They have failed to do so, especially since they failed to land David Gabriel Georges. However, that hasn't stopped them from trying. They just haven't been very successful.
That finally changed for the Buckeyes on Wednesday, as they flipped a four-star recruit to become their back for the 2027 class. Ohio State flipped Daylon Gordon from Texas State to be their back. However, that doesn't change the fact that they need to go hunting in the Transfer Portal.
Ohio State ends its hunt for a 2027 running back recruit
Gordon gives them the back they have been searching for. He stands at 5'9 and 195 pounds, so he isn't the biggest back. He seems to have a good running style that mixes power with speed, but he still has some work for growth. That's where Carlos Locklyn comes in.
Gordon was committed to Texas State for a reason. He still has some flaws as a player. With that in mind, Gordon shouldn't be the only running back that the Ohio State Buckeyes add this offseason. The need to shop for more backs in the portal, especially with how bad the backs have been this year.
Ja'Kobi Jackson has actually been the best running back on the roster, and he transferred in from Florida. However, he might only be back for the Michigan game. Bo Jackson has been wildly disappointing. Isaiah West continues to make mistakes. Legend Bey seems to have never gained the trust of the coaching staff.
With all of that being the case, finding at least one more running back should be a priority for the team in the offseason. No matter who the starting quarterback is next year, they cannot afford to run the ball as poorly as they have all year long in 2026.
Ohio State's recruiting class is likely finished for 2027
With the addition of Gordon, the Buckeyes are mostly finished with their 2027 recruiting class. In fact, they might not add another player. Right now, the class stands at 21 commits and is rated as the fifth-best class in the country. Perhaps they add one more guy, but that seems unlikely.
If Ryan Day is able to keep a top-five class after how poorly this season has gone, that's a great outcome. Quite frankly, I'm shocked there hasn't been a de-commitment already. Ohio State doesn't lose three games in a single season, so this is unprecedented.
However, keeping the Buckeyes at the top of the food chain won't be easy without the right recruits. Getting this team flipped around might take some changes from the coaching staff in terms of personnel, and Day has already fired one coach. More firings likely will come.
Gordon doesn't care, though. He's confident that Carlos Locklyn and Day will still be around. Heck, if Arthur Smith ends up getting canned, that could be a good thing for Gordon's future with the Buckeyes.
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