Ohio State’s 2025 backfield is shaping up as a mix of proven production, promising youth, and high-ceiling depth, giving the Buckeyes a versatile and dangerous ground game.
James Peoples and C.J. Donaldson headline a dynamic duo
James Peoples, a sophomore, returns as a poised playmaker. He appeared in eight games as a freshman, trending for a bigger role with 197 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 49 carries, and he logged more offensive snaps among OSU freshmen than anyone except Jeremiah Smith. A four-star recruit from San Antonio, Peoples was rated the No. 4 running back in the country and a top-100 overall prospect, underscoring the quick rise he’s already shown.
C.J. Donaldson Jr., a senior transfer from West Virginia, adds veteran punch and production. Across three seasons with the Mountaineers, he totaled 1,690 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 421 carries, with 22 of those TDs coming in his final two seasons. At 6-foot-2 and over 230 pounds, Donaldson brings a downhill, physical running style and has already removed the “black stripe” in spring camp, signaling readiness to contribute immediately. Together, Peoples’ burst and versatility pair with Donaldson’s power and polish to form a capable one-two punch.
Bo Jackson: A true freshman with early buzz
Bo Jackson, who enrolled early in January 2025, has already generated strong early buzz in spring drills. A four-star recruit and Ohio’s top-ranked running back in the 2025 class, Jackson put together an eye-catching junior year that featured nearly 1,700 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, averaging more than 10 yards per carry. Even though his senior season was affected by injury, he still rattled off 588 yards and 10 touchdowns in four games. He’s widely viewed as a future feature back who could shift the backfield balance in the coming years.
Depth and versatility: Dixon, Rogers, West provide valuable support
Sam Dixon, a redshirt freshman, has shown efficiency in limited action—53 yards on seven carries, an impressive 7.6-yard average. His speed and familiarity with the system make him a reliable depth piece, and he chose to return to Ohio State rather than enter the transfer portal.
Anthony “Turbo” Rogers joins as a four-star from the 2025 class, ranked No. 11 nationally at running back. He’s known for his shiftiness and speed, and he also profiles as a hybrid threat with experience lining up in the slot, adding a dimension of matchup flexibility to the backfield.
Isaiah West is a three-star recruit from 2025 out of Philadelphia. He’s described as a powerful, balanced back with three-down potential who can contribute between the tackles and in the passing game, further expanding OSU’s backfield toolbox.
A balanced, deep, and dangerous backfield
Ohio State’s 2025 running back room stands out for its depth, versatility, and potential impact across multiple fronts. Peoples is positioned to emerge as a primary playmaker with his vision, speed, and receiving ability, while Donaldson provides a veteran presence and a steady ground game between the tackles. Jackson brings explosive upside and the potential to become a transformative contributor in a rotation that already features capable depth pieces.
What to watch going forward
– How quickly Jackson adapts to college-level defenses and how he shares carries with Peoples and Donaldson.
– How Dixon, Rogers, and West factor into the rotation, including special teams, third-down situations, and goal-line packages.
– The overall impact on OSU’s offense, including how this backfield supports the passing game and play-action concepts under the current offensive system.
Summary
Ohio State’s 2025 backfield blends a proven, productive veteran presence with explosive young talent and a solid depth chart. Peoples offers big-play ability and reliability, Donaldson adds physicality and experience, and Jackson introduces dynamic speed and future star potential. With the depth behind them, the Buckeyes have the tools to sustain a high-powered ground game while developing multiple players for future seasons.
Positive note
If the backfield grows together as anticipated, it could give OSU greater flexibility in attacking defenses, reduce wear on any single back, and keep the offense dynamic throughout a full season. This setup also presents exciting development paths for several players who could become central figures in future OSU campaigns.