CBS Sports ranks Ohio State running back room as top-10 in the country

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We’re not far from the start of the 2026 college football season, and Ohio State is looking to make some noise once again. Even with one of the toughest schedules on the docket, Buckeye Nation has to be excited about the prospect of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The new OC comes to Columbus after years in the NFL. Matt Patricia did wonders for the OSU defense in his first year, so the optimism is warranted that Smith can do the same thing on the opposite side of the ball.

One of the ways in which Smith will be tasked with improving the Buckeye offense is by making the running game more dynamic. It’s no secret that Ryan Day loves to air it out, and who could blame him with the embarrassment of riches he’s had at the wide receiver position? But we all know that football is more than a one-dimensional game. The offense must keep opposing defenses on their heels with a balanced attack. Day is banking on Smith’s expertise in the running game to do just that.

With returning starter Bo Jackson, Smith has a centerpiece to build around. Florida transfer Ja’kobi Jackson and backup Isaiah West will be expected to add valuable touches as well. Add in the unknown factors of Anthony “Turbo” Rogers and freshman speedster Legend Bey, and there is some real depth to the running back room.

But how good are the running backs compared to the rest of the nation? One sports writer believes Ohio State has a top-10 unit. Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports has Jackson and company coming in at No. 9 on his list. It’s a fair assessment considering some of the unknowns. However, Brockermeyer loses some credibility by stating that “Sam Dixon will add depth”. Sam Williams-Dixon, of course, hit the transfer portal in the spring, landing at South Carolina before being dismissed after being arrested for breaking into a vehicle.

Brockermeyer’s list looks like this: No. 1. Miami, No. 2. Texas Tech, No. 3. Oregon, No. 4. Louisville, No. 5. USC, No. 6. Florida, No. 7. Missouri, and No. 8. Texas, with only Georgia coming in behind the Buckeyes at No. 10. Interestingly, Ohio State will play three of these teams in the regular season, so maybe we’ll get to find out who is better head-to-head.

Curiously, Michigan was left off Brockmeyer’s list. The Wolverines have been a run-first offense for the past few years. With the throwing woes of Bryce Underwood, Michigan will rely on Jordan Marshall, along with Savion Hiter, the No. 1-ranked running back recruit in the country, to run the ball consistently.

Undoubtedly, Ohio State will look to run the ball more efficiently with Smith calling the shots. It should give a boost to a running attack that has taken a back seat for a while. If so, this unit could be far better than No. 9 in the country. What do you think? Did Brockermeyer get the list right?

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: CBS Sports ranks Ohio State running back room as top-10 in the country

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