The Ohio State Buckeyes just produced two second-round picks at running back in the NFL Draft. Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson gave Ohio State a two-headed monster last season, totaling 2,521 yards from scrimmage in 2024.
With that kind of production out the door, there are some big shoes to fill. These are some players that the Buckeyes can look to replace Henderson and Judkins with in 2025.
What Does the Ohio State RB Room Look Like Ahead of the 2025 College Football Season?
James Peoples (Sophomore)
James Peoples only had 49 carries in his freshman season for the Buckeyes, but made the most of them, running for 197 yards and two touchdowns. As he enters his sophomore season, he’s projected to be the starter for Ohio State.
People was a four-star in the 2024 recruiting class and was 247Sports’ 126th-ranked player in the country. While his playing time has been limited, he’s extremely talented and should be productive behind a good Ohio State offensive line.
CJ Donaldson (Senior)
Ohio State transferred Donaldson from the West Virginia Mountaineers in December. Donaldson was ranked a three-star transfer and was being recruited by many Power Four schools.
The former Mountaineer ran for 734 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024 and should find similar success at Ohio State. While I think the Buckeyes will rely on Peoples the most, there’s no doubt that Donaldson will get a lot of carries in 2025.
Bo Jackson (Freshman)
Bo Jackson is one of two four-star running backs that the Buckeyes brought in as part of their 2025 recruiting class. Jackson was ranked 247Sports’ 11th running back in the 2025 class and 216th player.
Jackson was reportedly a standout for the Buckeyes in spring ball, consistently being productive and showing the coaching staff his talent. While I don’t expect Jackson to earn significant playing time immediately, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the field in 2025. And while he’s not related to THE Bo Jackson, how could he not be an elite running back with a name like that?
Anthony Rodgers (Freshman)
Like Bo Jackson, Anthony Rodgers is a four-star recruit in Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class. He was rated higher than Jackson according to 247Sports, coming in as the fourth-best running back and 119th overall player.
KEEP READING: Treveyon Henderson vs. Quinshon Judkins NFL Draft: Comparing the Two Ohio State RBs That Got Drafted 2 Picks Apart
Rodgers was elite at Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, finishing his senior year with 1,139 yards and 18 TDs on 10 yards per carry. I expect Rodgers to compete for playing time all of fall ball and potentially get involved in Ohio State’s offense.
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