The Ohio State football program has had a relatively drama-free start to spring practice. So far, they have just been focusing on getting better as a unit and integrating the 51 new players on the roster. They have also been able to firmly establish their coaching staff for the upcoming season.
Matt Patricia and Arthur Smith are locked in as the defensive and offensive coordinators. They both are getting paid a ton of money to do that, which is fine. As long as the Buckeyes don't have another shocking departure from the coaching staff in spring, they will be happy.
Two years ago, the Ohio State Buckeyes were surprised when Tony Alford decided to be Benedict Arnold and take a job with Michigan. He left Columbus to take the same running backs coach role with the Wolverines instead of sticking with the Buckeyes. Two years later, it seems Ohio State won that transaction.
Ohio State is better off with Carlos Locklyn than with Tony Alford
When Alford left, the Buckeyes ended up hiring Carlos Locklyn from Oregon. He was instrumental in Ohio State developing the run game during that 2024 national championship season. Both TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshion Judkins ran for over 1,000 yards that season.
Last season, he was able to develop Bo Jackson into a starter as a freshman and had him rush for over 1,000 yards, as well. Ohio State has made the College Football Playoff in both of those seasons, as well. Meanwhile, Alford has had a less-than-good time at his new home.
Michigan had to fire Sherrone Moore just weeks after losing to Ohio State for an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Alford's prized running back, Justice Haynes, got hurt for the final stretch of the season, and their running game completely fell apart.
Ohio State is happy with how this transaction has held up over the last couple of years. The running backs look like a strong part of the offense heading into the 2026 season. Locklyn is happy to be in Columbus, and he is showing why the Buckeyes are happy to have him.