Ohio State football: Figuring out who starts at running back

The Ohio State football program has a long history of producing great running backs. From Archie Griffin to Eddie George to J.J. Dobbins, all have excellent ball-carriers. The Buckeyes have a couple more great running backs in 2024 in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins and both are looking for monster seasons.

Henderson has been a three-year starter for the Buckeyes and has shown flashes of brilliance. Last season, he was one of the few players on offense who could consistently make plays out of nothing. The problem for Henderson has always been health though. After a freshman season that saw him have 1,172 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground after playing all 13 games, he has just played 18 games in the last two seasons.

Judkins comes in from Ole Miss after having two excellent seasons for the Rebels. He has had at least 1,150 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in each of his first two seasons. What’s even better is his durability. Judkins has yet to miss a game in his career. The Buckeyes have had issues keeping their running backs on the field, so that’s good news.

Which running back makes sense to start for the Ohio State football team?

Of these two stud running backs, which one will get the starting job? Henderson being the incumbent would seem to signal he has the upper hand. But Judkins is a stud as well. If I had to guess right now, I would say that Henderson gets the starting role but I think both he and Judkins will split carries 50/50 if nothing more than to keep each other fresh.

It doesn’t really matter who starts, in my opinion. What matters is that the Ohio State football team has two great running backs who can break a big run at any time. That will take a lot of pressure off of new starting quarterback Will Howard. The offensive line needs some work still, but that can be further addressed in the Spring.

We’ll see who ultimately gets the starting nod. I don’t think there are any wrong answers to this question. Both can contribute in the passing game as well, which is something Ryan Day likes to do. Bill O’Brien likes to use the backs in the passing game too. I’m still surprised that the Ohio State Buckeyes have two guys this good as starting options.