The most intriguing offensive duel in Ohio State football’s offseason doesn’t occur at quarterback.

As one of the most storied programs in college football, Ohio State continually has eyes on its quarterback situation. Historically, the Buckeyes have been home to some of the most highly-touted signal-callers in the sport, from Justin Fields to C.J. Stroud. Given the quarterback-centric nature of football, it would be easy to assume that Ohio State’s biggest offseason battle would be at quarterback, especially with Kyle McCord now departing after his starting stint and a battle for the next leader of the offense on the horizon. However, the most intriguing duel in Ohio State’s offseason isn’t happening at quarterback. Instead, it’s occurring at a different position: running back.

Despite Ohio State’s quarterback situation often dominating the headlines, the running back position could prove to be just as significant this coming season. With a stable of talented young running backs, the Buckeyes are about to see one of the most heated battles unfold in their offseason—one that could decide who will get the majority of the carries and establish themselves as Ohio State’s next great back. The eventual winner of this position battle will play a major role in shaping the offense in 2025, making it the most intriguing offensive duel in Ohio State’s offseason.

The Running Back Situation at Ohio State

Ohio State enters the 2025 season with high expectations, and the running back position will be critical in maintaining the offensive balance that has long been a hallmark of Buckeye football. While the program has traditionally relied on dynamic, game-breaking running backs, the position has been in flux in recent years. With the departure of Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson from the backfield, Ohio State is in the process of rebuilding its running game.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the position, the Buckeyes have a wealth of talent in their backfield, with several young and experienced players vying for playing time. The 2025 offseason presents a golden opportunity for the running backs to emerge and establish themselves as key contributors, and the competition to be the No. 1 back will likely dominate the team’s offensive discussions.

The Key Contenders

1. Dallan Hayden – The Freshman Phenom

In 2023, Dallan Hayden provided a glimpse of his potential, quickly becoming a fan favorite with his explosive style of play. As a true freshman, Hayden showed he had the speed, vision, and toughness to be an impact player. In his limited playing time, he flashed the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces and pick up crucial yards after contact.

In 2025, Hayden will likely enter the offseason as one of the frontrunners for the starting job. His blend of agility and burst makes him a versatile option for Ohio State’s offense, and his skill set makes him an ideal candidate to complement the passing game. The question for Hayden, though, will be his consistency and whether he can shoulder the workload of a starting running back. With more reps and experience, Hayden could easily elevate his game and become one of the most dynamic running backs in the Big Ten.

2. Evan Pryor – The All-Around Threat

Evan Pryor has long been a name to watch for Ohio State fans, especially after his impressive high school career. As one of the most highly recruited running backs in recent years, Pryor possesses elite athleticism and versatility. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver makes him a dangerous weapon in offensive coordinator Ryan Day’s scheme.

After a year of development and a full offseason of conditioning, Pryor could emerge as one of the most complete backs on the roster. His hands out of the backfield and ability to pick up blitzes are assets that will help him remain on the field in passing situations. If Pryor can continue to develop as a runner, adding strength and refining his vision, he could be a natural fit as Ohio State’s primary back. Given the amount of experience he brings to the table, Pryor will likely be a key player in this offseason battle.

3. Chip Trayanum – The Power Back with NFL Potential

While Dallan Hayden and Evan Pryor bring speed and versatility to the table, Chip Trayanum offers a different skill set entirely. Trayanum, who transferred to Ohio State from Arizona State, has the size and power to be a between-the-tackles bruiser for the Buckeyes. Standing at 6’1” and weighing in at 230 pounds, Trayanum is a downhill runner capable of wearing down opposing defenses. His ability to move piles and pick up tough yards in short-yardage situations will be invaluable to Ohio State’s offense.

Although Trayanum may not have the same top-end speed as some of the other contenders, his ability to punish defenders and grind out tough yards could make him a pivotal piece of Ohio State’s offense. The Buckeyes will likely need a power back to complement their speedier options, and Trayanum fits that mold perfectly. If he can improve his ball security and become more refined as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, Trayanum could force his way into a prominent role.

4. Mark Fletcher – The Freshman Powerhouse

Mark Fletcher is an exciting freshman who could play a major role in the running back competition. Standing at 6’0” and weighing in at 215 pounds, Fletcher is a physical back who can run with power and explosiveness. While he may not possess the breakaway speed of some of the other running backs on the roster, Fletcher makes up for it with his ability to churn out yards after contact. His physicality and balance make him a tough player to bring down, and his vision allows him to find creases in the defense.

Fletcher may be a bit raw heading into his freshman year, but his upside is significant. If he can adjust quickly to the college game and develop his skills in the offseason, he could emerge as a major contributor in the running back rotation, potentially forcing his way into the starting mix. Given his combination of size and strength, Fletcher could eventually grow into a key piece for Ohio State, and he might have an important role on short-yardage and goal-line situations early in his career.

What Makes This Duel So Intriguing?

What makes the running back duel for Ohio State so fascinating is the distinct contrast in playing styles among the contenders. Hayden’s shiftiness and ability to break off long runs give him big-play potential, while Pryor’s all-around skill set makes him a dangerous weapon in both the running and passing games. Trayanum offers a different dynamic as a powerful downhill runner, while Fletcher’s combination of size and strength adds a new element to the offense.

In many ways, the Ohio State running back competition reflects the team’s offensive philosophy. While the Buckeyes are known for their high-flying passing attack, they’ve also long relied on a strong ground game to keep defenses honest and balance out the offense. The ultimate decision about who will win this battle will have a significant impact on how the offense is constructed going forward.

If the Buckeyes want to run a more balanced offense that can move the ball in different ways, they’ll need to select a running back who can handle a large workload and be consistent in both short-yardage and open-field situations. On the other hand, if Ohio State wants to focus on explosive plays and rely on big gains in the running game, a back like Dallan Hayden or Evan Pryor may be the best option.

The competition could also depend on how Ohio State plans to deploy its offensive line, which will be critical in dictating how effective the backs are. Should Ohio State’s offensive line take a step forward in 2025, the team may lean more on a power running game, giving players like Chip Trayanum or Mark Fletcher more opportunities to shine.

The Impact of the Competition

This running back duel could set the tone for Ohio State’s offensive identity in 2025. Whoever emerges as the top back will play a significant role in shaping the offense’s success. Not only will they be tasked with carrying the ball, but they will likely also need to contribute in the passing game, whether it’s as a safety valve for the quarterback or as a target out of the backfield.

As the Buckeyes search for consistency at the quarterback position, having a reliable and dynamic running back to complement the passing game will be vital to their success. The winner of this competition will become a key part of Ohio State’s offensive game plan and will need to perform at a high level for the team to reach its full potential.