Pair of Ohio State running backs named to Doak Walker Award watch list

Ohio State has the potential to have the best offense in the country. The Buckeyes have a deadly 1-2 combo at running back, both of whom were added to the preseason Doak Walker Award list, which recognizes the nation’s top back.

While retaining the Big Ten’s fourth-leading rusher last year in TreyVeyon Henderson, Ohio State added former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year.

One area in which Ohio State has struggled in the Ryan Day era has been the ability to run the ball. The Buckeye offense ranked eighth in the Big Ten in team rushing yards, with an average of 4.2 yards per attempt. This number should be much higher for a program that acquires the talent that Ohio State does.

So, what do the Buckeyes do to solve this issue? They give play-calling duties to new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Kelly has a track record of getting the most out of his running backs, as Oregon’s LaMichael James won the Doak Walker Award in 2011 when Kelly was coach of the Ducks.

Other Big Ten running backs up for the preseason Doak Walker Award list include Michigan’s Donovan Edwards, Oregon’s Jordan James, Maryland’s Roman Hemby, and Illinois’ Kaden Feagin.

The Big Ten is no stranger to producing Doak Walker Award winners. The conference has won the award three out of the last six years. Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III was the conference’s most recent award winner in 2021.