Eric Boggs
It’s been reported by several sources that the Ohio State sophomore running back, who the coaching decided to reshirt last season, has told the Buckeyes’ coaches that he wants to move to another team. Hayden still has three more years of eligibility.
The transfer portal will open up again next week, on April 16, and will be open until April 30 for the post-spring transfer window. It looks like Hayden will officially get a head start on seeking a new home before the next wave of possible recruits hits the portal.
Hayden mentioned to reporters last week that he felt sure he could get a spot in Ohio State’s offense, even with TreVeyon Henderson returning and Quinshon Judkins joining as a new running back. What changed in only a few practices? Either the new running backs coach, Carlos Locklyn, who was hired last week, is the issue, or it might be possible that freshman running back James Peoples might be pushing him for that third spot on the depth chart. Either way, realizing he might not get to play much with Ohio State, Hayden has decided to look for a team where he can have a bigger role.
With Hayden leaving, Ohio State will have four scholarship running backs left: Henderson, Judkins, and freshmen James Peoples along with Sam Williams-Dixon.
In 2022, Hayden had more playing time than expected due to injuries to Henderson, Miyan Williams, and Evan Pryor. He played in 10 of Ohio State’s 13 games that year, getting 111 carries for 553 yards and five touchdowns. His best game was against Maryland, where he rushed 27 times for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
Last season, the plan was for Hayden to sit out and not play for Ohio State. Despite injuries to Henderson and Williams again – Henderson missed three games and Williams missed seven – Day and his team stuck to their plan, relying on Chip Trayanum when needed. Hayden played in three games for Ohio State in 2024, getting 19 carries for 110 yards and one touchdown.
