The Tradition of Ohio State Running Backs: A Legacy of Excellence…
When you think of Ohio State football, what immediately comes to mind are the explosive offenses, the Heisman-winning quarterbacks, and the long lineage of wide receivers who’ve made their mark on the college football landscape. But before the era of high-flying spread offenses and pass-happy attacks, the Buckeyes were renowned for their running game, and the running back position was considered the crown jewel of the program. From the powerhouse backs of the 1970s and ’80s to the elite athletes who defined the 21st century, Ohio State’s tradition of exceptional running backs is a cornerstone of the program’s storied history.
The Early Years: Setting the Standard
Ohio State football’s legacy of great running backs began long before the program became synonymous with national championships. In the 1950s and ’60s, running backs like Howard “Hopalong” Cassady helped lay the groundwork for the Buckeyes’ tradition of elite ground games. Cassady’s success in the backfield set a precedent for the kind of hard-nosed, physical running style that would come to define the program.
However, it wasn’t until the 1970s, under the leadership of head coach Woody Hayes, that Ohio State running backs began to truly capture the national spotlight. Hayes, known for his conservative, power-running offenses, prioritized a bruising, downhill running game that put a premium on physicality, toughness, and a never-say-die mentality. It was in this era that Ohio State would begin to produce some of the most iconic and accomplished running backs in college football history.
The Golden Era of Running Backs: Archie Griffin
The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of Ohio State’s most famous running back: **Archie Griffin**. A legend not just at Ohio State, but in the history of college football, Griffin is the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice (1974 and 1975), a feat that solidified his status as one of the greatest to ever carry the football. His vision, speed, and balance made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Griffin rushed for over 2,800 yards in his career at Ohio State, and his ability to break tackles and fight for extra yards made him the epitome of the hard-nosed, no-nonsense running back that was a hallmark of the program.
Griffin’s legacy transcended his individual accolades. His success on the field symbolized the heart and soul of the Buckeyes’ running back tradition: a relentless will to win. He also became the benchmark by which all future Ohio State running backs would be judged.
The 1980s and ’90s: Continued Success
In the years following Griffin’s departure, Ohio State continued to produce elite running backs. Keith Byars, a powerful and versatile back, followed in Griffin’s footsteps and became one of the most feared runners in college football in the mid-1980s. Byars finished his Ohio State career with over 3,200 rushing yards and was a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ offensive success during his time in Columbus. Byars was a well-rounded player who could both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield, a dual-threat that was ahead of its time.
Byars’ tenure at Ohio State helped further cement the program’s reputation for producing elite running backs. And while the position remained a focal point of the offense during this time, it was the 1990s that began to shift Ohio State’s offensive identity toward a more balanced attack, with the running back position still at the forefront.
The 2000s: Eddie George’s Heisman Glory
The 1990s gave way to one of the most dominant periods in Ohio State football history, with Eddie George emerging as the centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ offense. George’s 1995 season stands as one of the most impressive in program history, as he rushed for 1,927 yards and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1995. His combination of size, speed, and vision made him a terrifying force on the field, as he routinely wore down defenses with his punishing running style.
What set George apart from other running backs in Ohio State’s history was his ability to thrive in a pro-style offense that was predicated on power and balance. George ran with patience, waiting for his blockers to set up holes, and once he found a seam, he had the explosiveness to turn a modest gain into a long touchdown. His NFL career, which included a stint with the Tennessee Titans, only further validated his status as one of the premier backs in college football history.
As the focal point of Ohio State’s offense, George helped the Buckeyes win the Big Ten Championship and earn a berth in the 1996 Rose Bowl, where he capped off an unforgettable season with an MVP performance. His Heisman Trophy win solidified Ohio State’s running back tradition in the modern era and showcased the program’s commitment to developing elite talent at the position.
The 2010s: Ezekiel Elliott and a New Era of Dominance
As the 21st century unfolded, the role of the running back in college football began to evolve. The spread offense began to take center stage, and Ohio State followed suit under the leadership of head coach Urban Meyer. While the focus of the offense shifted slightly, running backs continued to play a vital role in the team’s success, and few embodied that better than Ezekiel Elliott.
Elliott was a perfect fit for the spread system. A quick, agile back with breakaway speed and exceptional vision, he dominated during Ohio State’s 2014 national championship run. Elliott’s performance in the postseason, where he rushed for over 200 yards in each of the Buckeyes’ final three games including a memorable 246-yard, four-touchdown performance in the national title game cemented his place in Ohio State lore. He finished his career with over 3,900 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns, earning All-American honors and helping to continue Ohio State’s legacy as a running back factory.
Elliott’s ability to thrive in both the spread offense and in short-yardage situations showcased the versatility that would become a hallmark of Ohio State running backs in the modern era. His national championship victory gave Ohio State fans another reason to celebrate the program’s long-running tradition of running back excellence.
The Legacy Continues
The legacy of Ohio State’s running backs extends beyond just the names mentioned above. The program has continually produced elite-level talent at the position, and running backs remain a crucial element of the team’s identity. Even as the college football landscape evolves, with the proliferation of spread offenses and the increasing emphasis on the passing game, Ohio State has continued to produce top-tier running backs who are capable of carrying the team on their shoulders when needed.
As the Buckeyes continue to be a perennial national contender, the running back position will likely remain a source of pride for the program, and it’s hard to imagine Ohio State football without its storied tradition of explosive, dynamic, and tough-as-nails runners.
From Archie Griffin to Ezekiel Elliott and beyond, the tradition of elite running backs at Ohio State is not just a relic of the past it’s a legacy that continues to thrive and shape the program’s future.
