The Ohio State Buckeyes just won their first national championship in a decade, and a big reason for that was the efforts of running backs.
When an Ohio State legend speaks, Buckeye Nation listens. Recently, one of the program’s most celebrated former players weighed in with high praise and insightful critiques about the current running back room in Columbus. With a rich history of producing elite rushers—from Archie Griffin and Eddie George to Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins—the expectations for Ohio State running backs are sky-high every season. This latest take not only highlights the talent in the current roster but also offers a glimpse into how the Buckeye backfield stacks up against its storied past.
The Legend Speaks
The legendary figure behind this headline is none other than Eddie George, the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most dominant running backs in college football history. George, who rushed for over 3,700 yards and 44 touchdowns during his Buckeye career, knows a thing or two about what it takes to excel in scarlet and gray. His recent comments on Ohio State’s running backs were a blend of admiration, constructive critique, and a challenge for the young players to rise to the occasion.
In an interview with a Columbus sports outlet, George didn’t hold back his excitement about the depth and potential in the current running back room. “This group has the chance to be special,” he said. “They’ve got speed, power, and vision. But what will separate them is their ability to step up in big moments—the way Zeke did against Alabama in the playoffs or the way I had to carry the load against Notre Dame back in ’95.”
The Stars of the Show
At the heart of George’s praise were standout running backs like TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams, and Dallan Hayden. Each brings a unique skill set to the Buckeye offense, making the competition for snaps fierce and exciting.
TreVeyon Henderson, often compared to greats like Dobbins and Elliott, burst onto the scene as a freshman with his breakaway speed and explosive playmaking ability. His 277-yard game against Tulsa in 2021 set the tone for what fans hope will be a Heisman-worthy career. George noted Henderson’s raw talent but emphasized the need for consistency and durability. “TreVeyon’s got the speed and the moves, but to be a legend at Ohio State, you’ve got to do it week in and week out. You’ve got to stay healthy and handle the grind of a full Big Ten season.”
Miyan Williams, affectionately nicknamed “Meatball” by fans, offers a contrasting style with his bruising, downhill running. Williams has been a reliable force in short-yardage situations and showcased his versatility with multiple 100-yard games. George lauded Williams for his toughness and ability to grind out tough yards but encouraged him to continue refining his vision and pass-catching abilities. “Miyan is a throwback. He runs hard, reminds me a bit of Carlos Hyde with that physicality. But if he can add that extra gear in open space, he’ll be unstoppable.”
Dallan Hayden is the youngest of the trio but showed flashes of brilliance when called upon, particularly during injuries to Henderson and Williams. His patience and vision caught George’s attention. “Dallan’s got that old-school patience, waits for the hole to develop. If he keeps building on that, he could surprise a lot of people.”
Comparing to the Greats
George’s take also drew comparisons to the legendary backs who have donned the Buckeye uniform. He spoke about the “gold standard” set by Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner in college football history. “Archie wasn’t just about stats. It was his leadership, his ability to make the team better. That’s what these young guys need to strive for—not just putting up numbers but being the heart of the offense.”
Of course, no discussion about Ohio State running backs is complete without mentioning Ezekiel Elliott, whose postseason heroics in 2014—particularly his 230-yard performance against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and 246 yards in the National Championship against Oregon—cemented his place in Buckeye lore. George challenged the current backs to find their “Zeke moment.”
“Every great Ohio State running back has that signature game where they put the team on their back. Zeke had Bama. I had Notre Dame. TreVeyon, Miyan, Dallan—they’re all capable of having that moment. It’s just about seizing the opportunity when it comes.”
The Offensive Line Factor
George also touched on an often-overlooked aspect of running back success: the offensive line. He praised Ohio State’s ability to consistently develop NFL-caliber linemen, which has been crucial to the running game’s dominance over the years. With players like Donovan Jackson and Matt Jones anchoring the current line, George expressed confidence that the Buckeyes’ ground game will continue to thrive.
“A great back needs a great line. I had Orlando Pace. Zeke had Taylor Decker. These guys today have some real beasts up front. It’s a team effort, and when the line is clicking, the backs can shine.”
Looking Ahead
With spring practice around the corner and another season on the horizon, George’s comments serve as both motivation and a reminder of the legacy these young players are stepping into. The Buckeyes’ offense, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, has the pieces in place for a dominant ground attack.
Whether it’s TreVeyon Henderson breaking free for another long touchdown run, Miyan Williams bulldozing through defenders, or Dallan Hayden making his mark, the Buckeye backfield is poised for greatness. And with legends like Eddie George watching—and pushing them to reach even greater heights—the future of Ohio State’s running game looks as bright as ever.
As George succinctly put it: “The bar is high in Columbus. But if anyone can reach it, it’s these guys. Now it’s their time to make history.”
