Dallan Hayden Enters Transfer Portal Again: Former Buckeye Running Back Looks for Fresh Start
Dallan Hayden’s college football journey is taking another turn. The former Ohio State running back has entered the transfer portal for the second time in his career, signaling another search for a program where he can get back to being a featured part of an offense.
Hayden arrived in Columbus with high expectations. A four-star recruit with the pedigree and potential to make noise in the Buckeyes’ backfield, he flashed that promise as a true freshman. In 2022, he carried the ball 111 times for 553 yards and found the end zone five times - a strong debut campaign, especially in a backfield as deep and competitive as Ohio State’s.
But that early momentum didn’t carry over. In his sophomore season, Hayden saw his role shrink dramatically, logging just 19 carries. With opportunities limited and the Buckeyes continuing to reload with elite talent year after year, Hayden made the decision to transfer to Colorado ahead of the 2024 season.
His time in Boulder didn’t bring the breakout he was likely hoping for. Over two seasons with the Buffaloes, Hayden scored just two rushing touchdowns and never matched the production he put up in his first year at Ohio State. Now, with one year of eligibility remaining, he’s back in the portal looking for a better fit - and another chance to prove he can be a difference-maker.
Where Hayden lands next will be key. While he started his career at two Power Four programs, his next stop may come at the Group of Four level, where a fresh opportunity and a potentially less crowded backfield could give him the platform to finish his college career on a high note. Programs in conferences like the MAC, Sun Belt, or Conference USA could offer exactly that.
Ohio State, meanwhile, has continued to thrive in the run game without Hayden, thanks to a steady pipeline of top-tier talent. But it’s fair to wonder what might have been had Hayden gotten more chances in his second season - especially after showing real flashes as a freshman.
One thing is clear: Hayden still has something to offer. With one more year to play, he’ll be looking for a program that believes in his ability to contribute and gives him the reps to prove it.