The Ohio State Buckeyes’ backfield is set to look significantly different in 2025 with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins entering the NFL, but there is optimism that the new lineup will still be highly productive. The Buckeyes are counting on James Peoples to make a strong impact, while also hoping for significant contributions from transfer CJ Donaldson. Donaldson, who joined Ohio State after three successful seasons with the West Virginia Mountaineers, was a standout at his former school, scoring 30 touchdowns. However, he believes that recent changes to his body since arriving at Ohio State will allow him to be even more explosive in 2025.
Under the guidance of running backs coach Carlos Locklyn and sports performance director Mickey Marotti, Donaldson has shed about 18 pounds and is already noticing improvements. “I was 243 pounds when I got here, and Coach Mick said, ‘That’s going to change quickly,'” Donaldson shared with the media this week, according to Eleven Warriors. “Coach Lock wanted me to get to a size where I could maintain my physical attributes and also be more explosive in the run game, allowing me to play more downs than I did at my previous school. I feel like I’m running like the Flash right now. I definitely feel quicker and more explosive.”
These confident statements are something the Buckeyes will hope he can deliver on. Henderson and Judkins formed a dynamic duo that helped lead Ohio State to the national title in the 2024 season, and there will be high expectations for Donaldson and Peoples to fill that role. Donaldson is currently talking the talk, but come the season opener on August 30 against the Texas Longhorns, he will need to walk the walk.
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