Ohio State football is kicking off spring practice with a clear focus: improving as a cohesive unit and integrating 51 new players into their roster. With the coaching staff firmly in place, the Buckeyes are setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
Matt Patricia and Arthur Smith have taken the reins as defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. Their roles come with high expectations, but as long as there are no unexpected coaching departures, Ohio State is poised for stability.
Reflecting on a pivotal coaching change two years ago, the Buckeyes seem to have come out on top. When Tony Alford made a surprising move to Michigan, leaving his role as running backs coach, Ohio State brought in Carlos Locklyn from Oregon.
This turned out to be a game-changer. Locklyn was a key figure in developing a formidable run game during the Buckeyes' 2024 national championship season, with both TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshion Judkins surpassing the 1,000-yard mark.
Locklyn's impact continued last season as he developed freshman Bo Jackson into a 1,000-yard rusher. Ohio State's consistent performance has led them to the College Football Playoff in consecutive seasons.
In contrast, Alford's tenure at Michigan has faced challenges. The Wolverines had to part ways with Sherrone Moore under difficult circumstances, and injuries to key players like Justice Haynes derailed their running game.
As Ohio State looks ahead to the 2026 season, their running backs are set to be a cornerstone of the offense. Locklyn's presence in Columbus is proving invaluable, and the Buckeyes are clearly pleased with how the past few years have unfolded.