Rutherford B. Hayes, a 2026 running back from Delaware, Ohio, received an offer from the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Rutherford B. Hayes, a 2026 Running Back from Delaware, Ohio, Receives an Offer from the Ohio State Buckeyes

In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, being able to secure top talent early is a game-changer. The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been known for their ability to recruit elite athletes from across the country, particularly from their home state of Ohio. With a rich football history and a legacy of developing NFL-ready talent, Ohio State is one of the most coveted programs for high school recruits. Recently, the Buckeyes took another step toward strengthening their future by offering a scholarship to Rutherford B. Hayes, a highly regarded running back from Delaware, Ohio.

At just 15 years old, Hayes is already turning heads with his impressive skill set and playmaking ability. As a 2026 recruit, he’s still a long way from making his college decision, but receiving an offer from Ohio State is a huge milestone in his young career. The offer highlights not only Hayes’ potential but also the Buckeyes’ commitment to keeping the best talent from Ohio close to home. In this article, we’ll dive into Rutherford B. Hayes’ background, the significance of his offer from Ohio State, and what it means for his future in college football.

Rutherford B. Hayes: The Early Years

Born and raised in Delaware, Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes has been around the sport of football for most of his life. His name might evoke historical significance, as Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th President of the United States, but the young running back is already carving out his own legacy on the football field. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Hayes was naturally drawn to football at a young age. His father, a former college athlete, made sure to introduce Rutherford to the sport early, and it didn’t take long for his athletic abilities to shine.

Hayes began playing football in his youth league, quickly becoming known for his speed, agility, and vision on the field. From an early age, it was clear that he had the tools to be a standout running back. His combination of athleticism and football IQ set him apart from his peers. Whether it was his ability to accelerate through the line of scrimmage or break tackles in the open field, Hayes showed that he had the skills to succeed at higher levels of competition.

As he entered high school, Rutherford Hayes’ talent began to manifest on a larger stage. He joined the Delaware Hayes High School football team, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top running backs in the state. He exhibited all the qualities of an elite back—great vision, quick feet, and an ability to explode through the line of scrimmage. His patience, combined with the ability to accelerate at the right moment, gave him the edge over defenders. As a freshman, Hayes played on the varsity team, and even then, his potential was undeniable.

Hayes’ High School Career: Rising to Prominence

By the time Hayes reached his sophomore year, he had firmly established himself as one of the top running backs in Ohio. With his combination of size, speed, and power, he became the focal point of Delaware Hayes High School’s offense. During his sophomore season, Hayes rushed for over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging more than 6 yards per carry. His performance earned him recognition not only in Ohio but also on the national recruiting radar.

What stood out most about Hayes was his versatility. He wasn’t just a downhill power runner. Hayes could also excel in outside runs, utilizing his speed and vision to break away from defenders. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield further increased his value as an all-around back. Whether it was in short-yardage situations, where he powered through the line of scrimmage, or in open-field scenarios, where he displayed explosive speed, Hayes made himself a constant threat on the field.

Hayes’ talents did not go unnoticed. He earned several All-Conference and All-State honors and began to attract the attention of college coaches from across the country. But it wasn’t just his on-field performance that impressed scouts—it was his mentality and work ethic. Hayes is known for his relentless drive to improve and his attention to detail. He spent hours in the weight room, working on his strength, speed, and conditioning. This commitment to his craft, combined with his natural talent, made him one of the most sought-after running backs in the 2026 class.

The Ohio State Offer: A Major Milestone

As a recruit, Rutherford B. Hayes already had a handful of offers from schools in Ohio and beyond, but the one offer that stood out was from the Ohio State Buckeyes. When the Buckeyes extended the scholarship offer, it was a huge moment for Hayes, as Ohio State is widely regarded as one of the top college football programs in the country. The program has a rich history of success, having won multiple national championships and producing countless NFL players. For a young player like Hayes, receiving an offer from Ohio State not only validated his talent but also opened the door to countless opportunities.

The offer from Ohio State holds particular significance for Hayes, as it comes from his home state. Delaware, Ohio, is just a short drive from Columbus, where Ohio State is located. For many recruits, staying in-state can be a major factor in their decision-making process. The proximity to home allows families to see their loved ones play, and it can create a sense of comfort and connection with the program. For Hayes, the idea of playing for the Buckeyes in front of his hometown crowd is undoubtedly a dream come true.

Ohio State’s Interest in Hayes: Why It Makes Sense

Ohio State’s interest in Rutherford B. Hayes is a logical one, and it speaks volumes about the program’s commitment to securing top-tier talent, particularly from their home state. Ohio State has always placed an emphasis on recruiting in-state players, understanding the importance of keeping the best talent in Ohio close to home. The Buckeyes have a long history of success with Ohio recruits, and the program has developed a reputation for fostering local talent and turning them into elite players at the national level.

Ohio State’s track record of developing running backs is another reason why Hayes is an ideal target for the program. From Ezekiel Elliott to J.K. Dobbins to more recent stars like TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State has consistently produced some of the best running backs in the country. These players have not only excelled in college but have also gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. Hayes, with his impressive physical attributes and skill set, fits perfectly into the mold of the type of running back that Ohio State has historically recruited and developed. His ability to break tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and provide explosive plays aligns with what the Buckeyes have typically looked for in their running backs.

Another aspect of Ohio State’s appeal to Hayes is their offensive system. Ohio State runs a balanced offense that can utilize the talents of a dynamic running back like Hayes. The combination of a strong offensive line, talented quarterbacks, and an efficient passing attack makes Ohio State an attractive destination for any top-tier running back. Hayes would have the chance to play in one of the best offensive systems in the country and be a key piece in the Buckeyes’ offensive game plan.

The Recruiting Process: What’s Next for Rutherford B. Hayes?

While Ohio State’s offer is a major step in Rutherford B. Hayes’ recruitment, it is far from the final decision. Hayes, as a 2026 recruit, has plenty of time to evaluate his options and explore the different opportunities that will arise in the coming years. The Buckeyes are one of many programs that are likely to target Hayes, and his recruitment process is expected to heat up as he continues to perform at a high level in high school.

For Hayes, the next steps in his recruitment will likely involve taking visits to different campuses, attending camps, and continuing to build relationships with college coaches. The Ohio State offer will undoubtedly play a major role in his decision-making, but Hayes will likely consider a variety of factors, including playing time, team culture, and the opportunity to develop as a player. While Ohio State is an early frontrunner, other top programs across the country, such as Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and Michigan, will surely make their case for why Hayes should play for them.

One factor that could play a role in Hayes’ decision is the legacy of running backs that Ohio State has developed. The program’s long history of success at the running back position—coupled with their reputation for putting players in the NFL—makes Ohio State a compelling option for any running back. However, Hayes will also be considering how he fits into the future plans of the program and whether he will have the chance to make an immediate impact.

Hayes’ Skill Set: What Sets Him Apart

What makes Rutherford B. Hayes such an intriguing prospect is his blend of physical attributes and football IQ. Standing at 6 feet and weighing around 200 pounds, Hayes already possesses the size and strength necessary to excel at the college level. His speed is another key asset, as he’s shown the ability to outrun defenders both on inside runs and when breaking to the outside.

Hayes’ vision is one of his most impressive qualities. He has an innate ability to read the defense and make quick decisions. His patience behind the line of scrimmage allows him to wait for holes to develop before exploding through them. In addition to his rushing ability, Hayes is also a capable receiver out of the backfield, giving him the versatility that modern offenses covet. His ability to catch passes and make plays in the open field adds an additional layer to his game, making him even more valuable to any offense.

On top of his physical abilities, Hayes is known for his work ethic and commitment to improvement. He’s always looking for ways to get better, and his dedication to his craft has already set him apart from many of his peers.