This one Ohio State football player could transfer if not given playing time

The transfer portal has radically changed college sports. It allows kids to move freely between schools in order to pursue more playing time. At least that’s what the portal started out as. Now, kids can move to schools that will pay them more in NIL money. It’s a giant mess, but some kids still use it to get more playing time. The Ohio State football program used it quite effectively in the offseason.

But the Buckeyes aren’t immune from losing transfers themselves. Ohio State had several players leave once the season ended so they could pursue more playing time. Most of them weren’t anyone of significance, but the Buckeyes do have a new quarterback because their old one transferred. A key running back might do the same after this year too.

Dallan Hayden could leave the Ohio State football program if he doesn’t get snaps

For some reason, Dallan Hayden hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time over the last couple of seasons. In fact, he was redshirted last year after recording over 500 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. He has shown flashes of being a really good running back. The problem is he’s been stuck behind at least two guys every year he’s been in Columbus.

For the last couple of seasons, it’s been TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams. This season it will be Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. I know Hayden isn’t expecting to get starter snaps this season, but if he doesn’t see more playing time he could end up in the transfer portal. At some point, he’s going to want to play.

I don’t blame him. Personally, I thought he was the second-best running back on the roster last year. Yet Ryan Day decided to let him redshirt. Hayden might even be a candidate to transfer after the Spring Game is done. That would put the Buckeyes dangerously thin at running back behind Henderson and Judkins.

I’d like to see Hayden get some meaningful snaps against good teams this year. He’s earned it.