The Ohio State Buckeyes' backfield will look a lot different in 2025 with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins heading to the NFL, but there is reason for optimism that it will still be extremely productive.
Ohio State has high hopes for James Peoples in 2025, while the Buckeyes will also be looking to get plenty out of transfer CJ Donaldson, who entered the portal in December after three seasons with the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Donaldson was prolific during his time in Morganville, scoring 30 touchdowns, but he believes changes to his body since making the move to Ohio State will allow him to be more explosive in 2025.
Under the guidance of running backs coach Carlos Locklyn and director of sports performance Mickey Marotti, Donaldson has dropped around 18 pounds and is already seeing a difference.
"I was 243, I think, the day I got here, and Coach Mick said, ‘That's going to change quickly,'" Donaldson told assembled media this week, per Eleven Warriors.
"Coach Lock wanted me to get down to a size where I could still use my physical attributes very well and also be more explosive in the run game and play more downs than I did at my previous university.
CJ DONALDSON JR. WITH THE STIFF ARM OF THE YEAR #Big12FB | ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/XW3M9mo7gJ
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 5, 2024
"I feel like I'm running like the Flash right now. I definitely feel quicker and more explosive."
Those are strong words that the Buckeyes will want him to back up in a hurry.
Henderson and Judkins complemented each other perfectly as the Buckeyes claimed the national title in the 2024 season, and there will be huge expectations on Donaldson and Peoples to do the same.
Donaldson is talking the talk right now. Come the season-opening August 30 matchup with the Texas Longhorns, it will be time for him to walk the walk.
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 9:05 PM.