Although Dallan Hayden is only 5’10”, his planned transfer from the Ohio State backfield leaves a significant gap. The Buckeyes will have just four scholarship running backs, two of whom are true freshmen. I have no doubt that Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will use the transfer portal to add depth to this position group.
TreVeyon Henderson and Mississippi transfer Quinshon Judkins will undoubtedly be numbered one and one-a, respectively. Each complements the other’s style and will share the vast majority of carries. The number three place is currently causing anxiety. Henderson’s injury history is a contributing factor to the team’s lack of depth. One of these two will most likely miss time during the season, therefore the Buckeye offense requires a reliable third option.
One name from the transfer portal has already been heavily associated with the Buckeyes. Mike Traini, who follows the Minutemen for Fight Massachusetts, made a Crystal Ball prediction for the Buckeyes shortly after Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams of UMass stated his intention to enter the portal when it opens.
Lynch-Adams, an Ohio native from Warren, had a career season in 2023, rushing for more than 1,200 yards. Although he would be an excellent addition to the OSU backfield, he only has one year of eligibility left, and I can’t imagine him wanting to go into a situation where his playing time would be limited. According to Ohio recruiting analyst Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts, Lynch-Adams and the Buckeyes have not spoken since January. But Kurelic also mentions that he has heard Lynch-Adams is interested if the Buckeyes come calling.
There could be a plausible alternative for the third running back already on the squad. T.C. Caffey, a redshirt sophomore walk-on, has had a great spring and has caught Ryan Day’s attention. “He’s done a very good job, he’s very disciplined in his approach, and he’s a guy that can really bring value for us.”
Day believes Caffey has earned carries. If you recall him as a true freshman, this is not shocking. In 2022, he scored one of the season’s most memorable touchdowns against Toledo. Unfortunately, an injury cost him the rest of the season and limited him throughout 2023. Now healthy, the Hubbard High School star, who ran for more than 2,600 yards as a senior, appears to be on his way to making an impact. Don’t let his walk-on status deceive you; Caffey is a true talent who can contribute to this offense.
Even with the emergence of Caffey, I believe Day will seriously consider signing a running back via the transfer site. Most likely, it will be someone willing to be a number three for a season with the possibility of more playing time in the future, or a graduate player in his final season of eligibility who is content to provide depth as a number three or four.
