The transfer portal has had a profound impact on college football in recent years. Many players, including running backs, are increasingly using the portal to seek opportunities for more playing time or a better fit at another school. Ohio State, one of the top football programs in the nation, has had several players enter and exit the transfer portal. A running back leaving the transfer portal can be seen as a significant story for the team, and understanding the broader context around this trend can help highlight why it matters.
1. The Transfer Portal in College Football
The NCAA Transfer Portal, established in 2018, has transformed the landscape of college football. Players now have more freedom than ever to transfer between programs without facing penalties, allowing them to seek out opportunities where they can make an immediate impact. This is particularly important for athletes in positions like running back, where depth charts and playing time can shift quickly due to injury, competition, or scheme changes.
For a running back, the decision to enter the transfer portal often stems from a desire for more playing time. Ohio State, due to its storied history and recent success, tends to have a crowded running back room. In many cases, talented running backs find themselves competing for a limited number of carries behind an established star, which could lead to frustration or a desire to find a program where they can take on a more prominent role.
2. Ohio State’s Running Back Tradition
Ohio State is known for its rich tradition of producing elite running backs. Names like Archie Griffin, Eddie George, and more recently, J.K. Dobbins and Ezekiel Elliott, come to mind when discussing the best in the business. Ohio State’s offense has long been built on the running game, and the program tends to recruit and develop some of the most talented backs in the country.
However, with great talent comes great competition. For instance, a player like TreVeyon Henderson, a highly-touted recruit, would quickly become a centerpiece of the offense. Behind such stars, other running backs, even if they were top prospects coming out of high school, might struggle to get significant playing time. This can lead to frustration, especially if they have aspirations of making it to the NFL, where production on the field is often a crucial component of their draft stock.
As a result, it’s not surprising that talented players might seek a fresh start, entering the transfer portal in hopes of finding a program where they can showcase their abilities. This makes the scenario of a running back leaving the portal particularly interesting for both the player and the program.
3. Reasons for Leaving the Transfer Portal
When a running back decides to leave the transfer portal, it usually indicates that the player has reconsidered his options and has decided to return to the program. Several reasons can contribute to this decision:
- Reassurance from the Coaching Staff: Sometimes, a player will enter the transfer portal but may have lingering questions about their role in the program. After talking to the coaching staff, they might feel reassured about their future at the school, especially if the coaches have promised increased playing time or a more prominent role in the offense.
- A Change in Depth Chart or Opportunity: In some cases, a player might leave the portal because the depth chart at their desired destination doesn’t offer a better opportunity than what they currently have. A team’s current or incoming players might not be as strong, meaning the player might actually have a more significant chance to contribute at their current school.
- Personal Connections and Relationships: College football is about more than just football; it’s also about personal growth, relationships, and finding a sense of belonging. A running back might realize that their teammates and coaches are an essential part of their experience, leading them to return to a familiar environment instead of venturing into the unknown at another school.
- Rekindled Focus on Development: Some players who enter the portal may initially be uncertain about their future. However, after evaluating their options, they might feel that staying at their current school provides the best path for long-term development, including potential preparation for the NFL.
4. Impact on Ohio State’s Roster and Offense
The return of a running back who was previously in the transfer portal can have significant ramifications on the team’s roster and offensive strategy. For Ohio State, which has a robust offensive line and one of the most potent offenses in the country, any addition to the backfield can impact the team’s overall game plan.
In particular, Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and head coach Ryan Day would need to assess how to best utilize a returning running back within their scheme. Ohio State is known for having a dynamic, fast-paced offense, and running backs play an essential role in both the ground game and pass protection.
The return of a running back might change how Ohio State approaches specific matchups. If the running back is a powerful downhill runner or a versatile dual-threat back who can catch passes out of the backfield, the offense could see an immediate benefit from having him back in the fold. Furthermore, if the player brings leadership and experience to the table, this can serve as a stabilizing force, particularly for younger players who may be stepping into more significant roles.
5. The Transfer Portal’s Broader Impact on College Football
The increasing movement of players through the transfer portal, especially at key positions like running back, has changed the way college football programs approach recruitment. Teams are now focused not only on high school recruits but also on how they can manage the roster through the portal. As more players enter the transfer portal, it forces coaches to adapt their recruiting strategies.
For Ohio State, the return of a player from the portal is part of a larger trend. The program has been active in both recruiting high school talent and using the portal to bolster areas of need. This dual approach allows Ohio State to stay competitive at a national level.
The transfer portal has also made it more challenging for programs to maintain roster stability, with talented players seeking playing time elsewhere if they feel underutilized. For Ohio State, however, the return of a running back to the team is a positive indicator of the program’s strength. It suggests that the player recognizes the value of staying with one of the premier programs in the country, which can enhance both their individual and team success.
6. Potential NFL Implications
The National Football League closely watches college football, especially running backs, to identify the next generation of talent. A running back leaving the transfer portal might make their decision with an eye toward improving their draft stock. Playing for a powerhouse like Ohio State provides visibility and the chance to showcase skills in big games, which could help a player’s profile heading into the draft.
As college football programs like Ohio State continue to build NFL-caliber players, the return of a running back who may have initially entered the transfer portal could signal the player’s desire to improve and make a final push toward a pro career.
