One Glaring Red Flag That Could Sabotage the Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes won the national championship last season thanks to having a stacked roster from top to bottom, but some of their position groups were still obviously stronger than others.

One area in which Ohio State particularly excelled was at running back, as the dynamic tandem of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson propelled the Buckeyes’ offense to another level.

Yes, Will Howard was brilliant, and Jeremiah Smith’s greatness needs no introduction, but the rushing attack of Judkins and Henderson definitely opened up the passing game for Ohio State.

Here’s the problem, though: both Judkins and Henderson departed for the NFL this offseason, leaving the Buckeyes to sort of start over in their backfield.

Ohio State will be rolling with James Peoples and West Virginia transfer addition C.J. Donaldson as its top two halfbacks in 2025, with Sam Williams-Dixon, Bo Jackson and Anthony Rogers on the outskirts.

While Peoples has potential and Donaldson was decent for the Mountaineers, the duo does not quite seem to have the same ceiling as the two-pronged attack of Judkins and Henderson a year ago.

Judkins was an absolute stud at Ole Miss before transferring to Columbus, and Henderson already had a 1,000-yard campaign under his belt before 2024.

Ohio State fans became spoiled by last year’s running backs, and there is a good chance that Peoples and Donaldson put forth far less production than the previous two stars at the position.

This could absolutely have an adverse effect on the Buckeyes’ offense as a whole, especially with the quarterback position completely unsettled heading into the new season.

Of course, it’s possible that Peoples enjoys a breakout campaign, and perhaps playing for Ohio State will truly bring the best out of Donaldson. But there is no doubt that the backfield is a massive question for the Buckeyes right now, and it could ultimately sabotage their chances of a repeat.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of college football’s most storied and successful programs, have built a reputation for excellence, consistency, and national prominence. With a rich tradition of championship victories, legendary coaches, and a loyal fanbase, Ohio State’s football team has often been a powerhouse on the field. However, amidst their success lies a significant and often overlooked vulnerability: an over-reliance on star players, which can pose a severe threat to the team’s stability and long-term success. This essay explores how this red flag—dependence on a few key athletes—can sabotage the Buckeyes’ ambitions, examining the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to mitigate this risk.

### The Nature of College Football and the Star Player Phenomenon

College football, unlike professional leagues, is characterized by a high turnover rate of players due to graduation, transfers, and eligibility rules. Despite this, programs like Ohio State have maintained excellence by recruiting top talent and developing them into national champions. However, a common trend among successful programs is the emergence of a few standout players—often highly recruited athletes who dominate their position and become the focal point of the team’s strategy.

These star players—often quarterbacks, linebackers, or skill-position athletes—are instrumental in winning games, energizing the team, and attracting national attention. Their presence can elevate a team’s performance significantly, leading to impressive victories and championships. Yet, this dependence on a select few can create a fragile foundation. When these players suffer injuries, face disciplinary issues, or leave for the NFL, the entire team’s performance can be compromised.

### The Red Flag: Over-Reliance on Star Players

The core issue is that Ohio State’s success has sometimes hinged heavily on a handful of exceptional players. This over-reliance creates a dangerous scenario: the team becomes vulnerable to disruptions if these players are unavailable. Several factors contribute to this red flag:

– **Heavy Dependence on Key Positions:** Ohio State has often built their offensive schemes around star quarterbacks or explosive receivers. Similarly, defensively, they may rely on a dominant linebacker or defensive end to anchor the unit.
– **Limited Depth:** While recruiting top talent is vital, a lack of depth behind star players can be problematic. If backups are not adequately prepared or lack experience, the team’s performance can decline sharply when starters are out.
– **Strategic Over-Customization:** Offensive and defensive schemes tailored to maximize the strengths of star players can become predictable and less adaptable if those players are sidelined.

### Historical Examples of the Red Flag in Action

Over-reliance on star players is not merely theoretical; history provides multiple examples where this vulnerability has manifested at Ohio State and other programs:

– **The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes:** Led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback J.T. Barrett, Ohio State was a dominant team that season. However, when Barrett was injured late in the season, backup Cardale Jones stepped in and led the team to a national championship. This instance highlights both the importance of star players and the importance of having capable backups. Yet, the injury risk remains a constant threat.

– **The 2018 Season:** Ohio State’s offense was heavily dependent on quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who broke numerous records. When Haskins declared for the NFL after that season, the team struggled to replicate the same level of success without a comparable star at quarterback, exposing the dependency on a single player.

– **Other College Programs:** The phenomenon isn’t unique to Ohio State. Teams like Alabama, Clemson, and Oklahoma have all faced similar vulnerabilities when their key players are injured or depart. The consequences often include inconsistent performance, loss of confidence, and diminished chances of winning championships.

### Consequences of Over-Reliance on Star Athletes

The risks associated with depending heavily on a handful of star players can be severe, impacting multiple facets of the program:

#### 1. **Increased Vulnerability to Injuries and Disruptions**

Football is a physically demanding sport, with injuries being an inevitable part of the game. When a team’s success hinges on a few players, an injury to one of these stars can derail entire seasons. For Ohio State, losing a quarterback like C.J. Stroud or a dominant defensive end could significantly weaken the team’s chances of competing at the highest level.

#### 2. **Reduced Depth and Development of Role Players**

A focus on star athletes often leads to underdevelopment of supporting players. When the spotlight is on a few key stars, other talented athletes may receive less playing time and experience, leading to weaker backups. This lack of depth becomes a liability when starters are sidelined.

#### 3. **Increased Pressure and Expectation**

Star players face immense pressure to perform at all times, which can lead to burnout, mistakes, or complacency. Over-reliance on these players can also create a psychological dependency within the team, where others become passive or unsure of their roles, reducing overall team cohesion.

#### 4. **Predictability and Strategic Limitations**

Coaches may tailor their schemes excessively around star players’ strengths, making the team’s approach predictable to opponents. When those players are neutralized or absent, the team can struggle to adapt, leading to offensive stagnation or defensive vulnerabilities.

#### 5. **Recruitment and Transfer Risks**

Over-reliance on a handful of recruits increases the risk if those players transfer, underperform, or face disciplinary issues. It also discourages the development of a broader, more balanced roster capable of adapting to different game situations.

### The Impact on Long-Term Success

The long-term success of Ohio State hinges on maintaining a balanced, resilient team capable of competing year after year. Over-reliance on star players threatens this stability by creating a fragile foundation. When key athletes graduate or leave early for the NFL, the team may struggle to find suitable replacements, leading to rebuild phases that can take years. This cycle hampers sustained excellence and can diminish the program’s reputation and recruiting appeal.

### Addressing the Red Flag: Strategies for Mitigation

While the red flag is significant, it is not insurmountable. Ohio State and similar programs can implement strategies to reduce over-reliance and build more sustainable success:

#### 1. **Develop a Stronger Depth Chart**

Investing in recruiting and player development to create a deep roster ensures that backups are capable of stepping in without a drop in performance. This involves emphasizing two-deep talent and preparing backups to handle high-pressure situations.

#### 2. **Diversify Offensive and Defensive Schemes**

Coaches should design flexible schemes that do not revolve solely around individual stars. A balanced approach allows the team to adapt when key players are unavailable, utilizing multiple avenues to attack opponents.

#### 3. **Foster Versatility and Multi-Position Skills**

Encouraging players to develop skills for multiple positions increases flexibility and depth. This strategy enables coaches to adjust to injuries or game situations dynamically.

#### 4. **Emphasize Player Development Beyond the Stars**

Creating a culture that values all players’ growth discourages complacency and promotes a collective effort. When every athlete feels integral to the team, reliance on stars diminishes.

#### 5. **Implement Injury Prevention and Management Programs**

Reducing injury risks through better conditioning, medical care, and load management ensures key players remain healthy throughout the season, mitigating one aspect of vulnerability.

### The Role of Leadership and Culture

Strong leadership and a resilient team culture are crucial to overcoming the risks posed by over-reliance on star players. Coaches, players, and support staff must emphasize unity, adaptability, and mental toughness to withstand setbacks. Cultivating a mindset where every player understands their role and contributes to the team’s success reduces dependency on individual brilliance.

### The Broader Implications for Ohio State and College Football

The red flag of over-reliance on star athletes extends beyond Ohio State, touching on a broader challenge faced by many college programs. As college football becomes increasingly competitive and talent-rich, the temptation to build around a few standout players grows. However, sustainable success depends on creating well-rounded teams capable of weathering adversity.

Furthermore, this issue underscores the importance of recruiting, player development, and strategic planning. College programs must balance star power with depth and versatility, recognizing that football is a team sport that demands collective effort.

The one glaring red flag that could sabotage the Ohio State Buckeyes is their over-reliance on star players. While having exceptional athletes is essential for success, placing too much dependence on a select few exposes the program to significant risks—injuries, disciplinary issues, transfers, and strategic predictability. To safeguard their future, Ohio State must prioritize developing depth, fostering versatility, and emphasizing collective team strength over individual heroics. Only by addressing this red flag can the Buckeyes ensure long-term excellence, resilience, and their continued dominance in college football. This lesson, while specific to Ohio State, serves as a cautionary tale for all programs aiming for sustained greatness in the high-stakes world of college athletics.