In a surprising twist, Ohio State running back Sam Williams-Dixon recently opened up about his brief stint in the transfer portal. The sophomore running back entered the transfer portal during last season’s playoff run, only to return weeks later. Now, he’s opening up about the decision he calls a mistake.
Sam Williams-Dixon Had a Change of Heart at the Right Time
Williams-Dixon’s 2024 season with Ohio State was quiet. He carried the ball just seven times for 53 yards. The running back room was dominated by stars TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, both now NFL-bound.
That left Williams-Dixon and fellow freshman James Peoples on the sidelines, watching from the depth chart’s lower rungs. But when the postseason hit, Williams-Dixon made a bold move. He entered the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
The decision didn’t stick. On February 13, he withdrew his name and returned to Columbus. Reflecting on it now, he admits it was a misstep. “For starters, it was just me listening to the wrong people,” Williams-Dixon said on Wednesday. “I had to take care of my life. I didn’t have control of it, but I got control of it. What brought me back, I didn’t want to leave. I love it here.”
The choice surprised many. With Henderson and Judkins gone, Williams-Dixon was one of only two returning backs for 2025. His spot seemed secure, but Dixon made the mistake of listening to the wrong voices. However, in the end, things played out for the good because it took stepping away to realize Ohio State was the best for Dixon.
Williams-Dixon says he had to “grow up” and take charge of his future. That meant tuning out lousy advice and trusting his gut. Now, he’s back with a clearer head, ready to make his mark.
His relationship with new running backs coach Carlos Locklyn also played a role. When Tony Alford, who recruited him, left for Michigan, Williams-Dixon felt out of place. He had no bond with Locklyn at first.
“I feel like coming back made (our relationship) way better,” he said. “We have a way better connection.” The two sat down for real talks, building trust that wasn’t there before.
The 5-foot-11, 203-pound sophomore will face much competition this season. West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson and Peoples will lead the backfield. Three talented freshmen, Bo Jackson, Anthony Rogers, and Isaiah West, will add more flair.
Williams-Dixon knows he needs to stand out. He’s betting on his versatility. “Being part of the passing game is really important for me,” he said. “I can catch the ball, and I can run the ball.”
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This spring and summer are critical for the young star. If Williams-Dixon wants to rise from his seven-carry debut, he must seize every chance. His detour into the portal might be the wake-up call that fuels a breakout year. He’s all in on Columbus and determined to prove it for now.
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