Ohio State's running back room has undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Carlos Locklyn, who has successfully guided the team through Phase 1 of his vision. The team has inherited stars like TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, who have proven to be 1,000-yard, national-championship-winning running backs. Locklyn has also restocked the room with promising young talent, including Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, and Legend Bey, who has the potential to be an explosive element. Additionally, Turbo Rogers and Favour Akih are developing as quality young-depth pieces, and Ja'Kobi Jackson has been added as a sixth-year back from Florida. However, the real test for Locklyn is yet to come. Phase 2 will determine if he can get something new out of Henderson and Judkins, unlock Jackson's full potential, and evaluate the hype surrounding Bey. The future of the running back room hinges on Locklyn's ability to land the big fish, such as five-star running back David Gabriel Georges, who will make a decision by July 22, 2026. If Ohio State fails to secure Georges, it will be a significant setback. Locklyn's confidence in his vision and development plan will be put to the test, and the team's success will depend on his ability to execute his plan and produce results. The running back room is now built in Locklyn's image, but it must now produce like it. The future of Ohio State's running back room is uncertain, but Locklyn's leadership and vision will play a crucial role in determining its success.
