​We’re not far removed from the kickoff of the 2026 college football season, and Ohio State is again positioned to turn heads. Even with one of the toughest schedules on the slate, Buckeye Nation has reason to be buzzing about the arrival of a new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Smith comes to Columbus after several years in the NFL, and the optimism is justified given Matt Patricia’s strong first year overseeing the OSU defense. If Patricia can do for the defense what Smith aims to do for the offense, the blueprint for success looks promising on both sides of the ball.
A central goal for Smith is to diversify Ohio State’s rushing attack and make it more dynamic. Head coach Ryan Day loves a high-octane aerial attack, a plan that has repeatedly paid dividends thanks to an abundance of elite receivers. Yet football remains a 53-and-a-half-foot game, and Day wants his team to be able to keep defenses off balance with a balanced, multifaceted approach. Smith’s expertise in the running game is expected to help Day achieve that balance and keep opposing defenses guessing.
Returning starter Bo Jackson provides a solid foundation for the ground game, offering Smith a reliable centerpiece around which to build. Florida transfer Ja’kobi Jackson and a capable backup in Isaiah West are anticipated to contribute meaningful touches. Add in the potential impact of Anthony “Turbo” Rogers and the speed of true freshman Legend Bey, and the Buckeyes possess genuine depth at running back that could translate into a more potent attack.
But how does that talent stack up against the nation? A well-connected sports writer believes Ohio State’s running backs could be among the nation’s best. Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports places Jackson and company at No. 9 on his list. That assessment makes sense given the questions surrounding some of the other programs, though Brockermeyer’s ranking is not without caveats. Notably, he includes Sam Dixon in the mix as a contributor, a name that requires context. Dixon transferred earlier in the spring to South Carolina but was dismissed after an arrest related to a vehicle break-in. That detail has led some to question the credibility of that portion of the ranking, yet the rest of his list is worth considering.
Brockermeyer’s ranking places No. 1 as Miami, followed by Texas Tech at No. 2, Oregon at No. 3, Louisville at No. 4, USC at No. 5, Florida at No. 6, Missouri at No. 7, Texas at No. 8, with Georgia just behind at No. 10, and Ohio State right in that conversation in the No. 9 slot. It’s interesting to note that three of Brockermeyer’s top-10 programs are on Ohio State’s regular-season schedule this year, which could provide a valuable head-to-head gauge of where the Buckeyes stand.
Curiously, Michigan did not appear on Brockermeyer’s list. The Wolverines have leaned run-first in recent seasons, and with Bryce Underwood continuing to develop at quarterback and the team relying on a strong ground game, Jordan Marshall and the highly touted Savion Hiter—the country’s No. 1-ranked running back recruit—will be tasked with providing consistent production on the ground. The dynamic between Michigan’s rushing attack and Ohio State’s evolving one under Smith will be an intriguing subplot as the season unfolds.
Undoubtedly, Ohio State will push for a more efficient and potent run game with Smith at the helm. This shift could inject new life into a unit that has sometimes taken a back seat to the passing attack, potentially elevating the overall offense to a higher level. If Smith’s influence translates to the field, the Buckeyes could exceed expectations and prove themselves among the nation’s top rushing teams.
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