Ohio State’s running backs coach Carlos Locklyn has turned down a jaw-dropping $2 million offer from the Penn State.

In a college football world where loyalty is often outweighed by dollar signs, Carlos Locklyn just sent a loud and clear message to the sport: some things still matter more than money. Ohio State’s running backs coach has reportedly turned down a stunning $2 million per year offer from Penn State to remain in Columbus, in what insiders are calling one of the boldest and most telling decisions of the 2025 offseason.

According to multiple sources close to both programs, Penn State made a hard run at Locklyn in late June, offering him a three-year deal worth roughly $6 million to become not just their running backs coach, but also their run game coordinator and assistant head coach. It would have made Locklyn one of the highest-paid position coaches in the country, potentially elevating him to a profile rivaling that of top coordinators.

But Locklyn said no.

Instead, he will remain at Ohio State under head coach Ryan Day, continuing to mentor one of the most talented backfields in the nation while helping to build a culture of toughness, humility, and next-level development. For Buckeye fans—and for the Ohio State staff itself—the decision was met with both relief and appreciation. In an era where coaching turnover is a constant threat and money talks louder than ever, Locklyn’s commitment is a major win

To fully understand the weight of Locklyn’s decision, one must first understand the man himself. A former college running back at Chattanooga, Locklyn’s coaching journey began far from the glamour of Big Ten Saturdays. He climbed the ranks through sheer work ethic and grit, taking assistant jobs at Memphis and Western Kentucky before getting his big break at Oregon in 2021. There, he quickly earned praise for his recruiting tenacity, player relationships, and football IQ.

In 2023, Locklyn was hired by Ohio State to lead the running backs room—one of the most high-pressure, high-visibility position groups in college football. In just two years, he’s turned that room into a national powerhouse, recruiting elite talent and developing backs who understand not just the game, but the process behind greatness.

His players speak glowingly of his mentorship. His peers respect his no-nonsense demeanor and tactical acumen. And the Buckeyes’ running game has improved notably in efficiency, explosiveness, and discipline since his arrival.

“He’s the heartbeat of that room,” said one OSU assistant who requested anonymity. “He holds those guys accountable. He doesn’t just coach them—he builds them.”

Penn State’s interest in Locklyn wasn’t random. After parting ways with their longtime running backs coach following a disappointing 2024 season on the ground, head coach James Franklin sought a high-profile, culturally aligned replacement—someone who could both recruit top-tier talent and revitalize a stagnant running game.

Locklyn was at the top of their list.

Sources indicate Penn State was prepared to make him not just the highest-paid running backs coach in the Big Ten, but the centerpiece of their offensive staff overhaul. The title of assistant head coach came with real responsibilities, and Locklyn would have had considerable influence over personnel decisions and game-planning—an opportunity few position coaches get.

But after multiple conversations, visits, and financial negotiations, Locklyn ultimately declined. The exact reasons? Several, according to those close to the situation.

First, Locklyn’s loyalty to Ryan Day played a major role. Day was the one who brought Locklyn into the fold at Ohio State and empowered him to run his room with autonomy and vision. Their relationship is said to be built on mutual trust, and Locklyn has often expressed admiration for Day’s leadership style.

Second, Locklyn believes in the current roster and trajectory of the Ohio State program. With five-star backs like Jordan Marshall and rising stars like James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon under his watch, Locklyn is coaching one of the deepest running back groups in America. Walking away from that now, with a national title push looming, wasn’t something he was eager to do.

Third, the culture matters. Sources close to Locklyn say he feels deeply aligned with Ohio State’s values—discipline, brotherhood, competitiveness—and sees Columbus as more than just a coaching stop. His family is happy there. His players fight for him. His voice carries weight in the building.

“He doesn’t just want a title or a paycheck,” said a Buckeye support staff member. “He wants a mission. He wants impact. And he has both right here.”

Finally, there’s the reality that money, while tempting, doesn’t always buy peace of mind. Penn State’s offer may have dwarfed his current salary—Locklyn is believed to be making around $850,000 annually—but it also came with higher expectations, less stability, and more pressure. The grass isn’t always greener, especially when you’re already coaching at one of the sport’s blueblood programs.

Internally, the Buckeyes have breathed a collective sigh of relief. Locklyn’s return ensures continuity in a key room that has been instrumental to their offensive identity. With quarterback competitions ongoing and a new offensive coordinator in place, the steadiness of Locklyn’s leadership offers much-needed balance.

Ryan Day reportedly made it a priority to retain Locklyn, working with athletic director Ross Bjork on a potential raise and restructured deal that would keep him happy and incentivized. While Locklyn declined Penn State’s money, sources expect Ohio State to reward him with a significant bump in compensation and possible elevation in title—likely adding “run game coordinator” to his responsibilities.

The message this sends to recruits can’t be overstated. Locklyn has been instrumental in securing elite backfield talent over the last two classes, and his return signals to high school stars that the program is stable and committed. For recruits considering Ohio State over SEC powers or other Big Ten schools, this kind of consistency matters.

“This is massive,” said national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu. “Locklyn has become a trusted name in living rooms across the country. Him staying sends a ripple across the 2026 and 2027 recruiting cycles.”

Locklyn’s decision also stands out as a rare moment of old-school loyalty in a modern coaching environment that often rewards transience. Assistant coaches routinely jump from school to school chasing pay raises, titles, and new opportunities. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that—it’s part of the profession—but it’s increasingly uncommon to see a rising star coach turn down a $2 million offer to stay where they are.

His choice is being applauded across the coaching community, with multiple peers and former players expressing admiration for what it says about his values.

“Carlos is a throwback,” said one Big Ten coach. “He’s about relationships. He’s about development. And he’s about winning the right way. Guys like that don’t come around often.”

For Ohio State, Locklyn’s return helps solidify one of the strongest offensive units in the country. With a stable of backs capable of wearing down defenses and breaking big plays, the Buckeyes are expected to lean heavily on their ground game as they break in a new starting quarterback. Locklyn will be at the center of that effort—scheming, coaching, and motivating.

His presence also strengthens Ohio State’s culture in the locker room. Known for his demanding but fair coaching style, Locklyn is respected across position groups as someone who holds players accountable but never loses sight of their humanity.

“He’s real,” said sophomore running back James Peoples. “He tells you the truth, even when it’s hard. And he’s always there for you—on and off the field. I’d run through a wall for Coach Lock.”

With championship aspirations on the horizon and a new-look Big Ten that includes USC, Oregon, Washington, and UCLA, Ohio State knows every detail matters. In a sport defined by inches, one assistant coach’s decision to stay can make the difference between a good season and a great one

Carlos Locklyn’s rejection of a $2 million offer from Penn State will be remembered as one of the defining moments of Ohio State’s 2025 offseason. More than just a financial decision, it was a statement of purpose—a declaration that culture, loyalty, and vision still hold weight in college football.

In choosing Columbus over a massive payday, Locklyn reinforced everything Ohio State wants to be known for: integrity, excellence, and unity. And in doing so, he may have just set the stage for something special this fall.

Because when great coaches stay, great things tend to follow.