What to expect from the Ohio State Buckeyes running backs in 2024

The running back position at Ohio State is rich in history with multiple Doak Walker Award winners and Heisman Trophy winners. Legends like Archie Griffin, Eddie George, and Ezekiel Elliott have all held the title of starting running back at The Ohio State University.

Yet in 2024 the Ohio State running back room might be the most talented of all time at the university. Both of the Buckeyes top backs, find themselves on the Doak Walker watchlist heading into the season.

Main Contributors

Junior Quinshon Judkins

Junior Quinshon Judkins transferred in from Ole Miss this off-season. He was one of the most productive running backs in the entire SEC Conference over the last two seasons posting 33 touchdowns in that time.

Judkins's rushing efficiency dropped from 5.9 yards per carry to 4.4 last season and he will look to return that elite efficiency in Chip Kelly’s offense. Judkins will be the co-starter in the backfield along with TreVeyon Henderson to create arguably the best backfield pair in the country.

Senior TreVeyon Henderson

Star running back TreVeyon Henderson decided to forgo the 2024 NFL draft and return for senior season in Columbus. Henderson is looking to add to his Ohio State legacy, with the goal in mind to beat that team up north and bring home a college football national championship trophy.

Henderson rushed for over 1,000 yards his freshman season but has yet to do so since. The drop in production is largely because Henderson has dealt with injuries the last two seasons. Having a running mate like Judkins will benefit Henderson and take some of the rushing load off of his shoulders.

He will also benefit from having a signal caller like Chip Kelly whose running backs have always been productive. Henderson will be the co-starter with Judkins and fill the homerun-hitting role in the backfield.

Potential Contributors

Freshman James Peoples

True freshman James Peoples from San Antonio, Texas can be a potential contributor for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2024. Peoples was the number four ranked running back in the 2024 recruiting class and was an early enrollee this spring.

Peoples also recently got his black stripe removed from his helmet and is turning heads in practice. With Ohio State having two superstars in the backfield it will be hard for Peoples to see the field, especially as a freshman. But depth in college football is very important and Ohio State will have to manage the workload for their two stars.

Injuries at the top of the depth chart will move up Peoples like we have already seen with the season-ending injury to TC Caffey. The decision on whether or not to redshirt James Peoples will be one to monitor.

Sophomore (Safety) Caleb Downs

Superstar Alabama transfer safety Caleb Downs has reportedly received some work in the backfield during camp. This is likely because Ohio State needs to create depth in their backfield to take the load off their two stars.

Head coach Ryan Day has acknowledged that Downs has taken reps in the backfield but has been a little reluctant to come out and say that there will be a role for Downs in that capacity. Downs was effective with the ball in his hands at Alabama as a punt returner and can certainly contribute if given the opportunity. Downs would likely serve as an emergency running back in 2024.

Future Development

Freshman Sam Williams-Dixon

Three-star 2024 recruit Sam Williams-Dixon likely will not see the field during his freshman season in Columbus. With the amount of talent in front of him, it will be challenging for him to carve out a role in 2024. However, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson will likely leave after this season for the NFL draft opening up a significant amount of playtime in the backfield going into the 2025 season. A year of development set up Sam Williams-Dixon to be a contributor in his sophomore season.

Overall Outlook

The Ohio State Buckeyes running back room is set up to be the best backfield unit in the country this season. The Buckeyes possess the most talented tandem in the country and pair it with a coach who has proven rushing offense success.

During his time at Oregon Chip Kelly was able to manage the playing time of multiple stars at once, and will have no problem doing so now. Ohio State's offensive line should be also improved heading into the 2024 season. The Quinshon Judkins - TreVeyon Henderson tandem should be the most productive backfield in the country in 2024.