Former Ohio State running back finds new home in transfer portal

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So far, Ohio State has watched around a quarter of its roster hit the transfer portal after the season ended with a loss to Miami. Everyone is looking for playing time and looking to get paid. Running back Sam Williams-Dixon entered the portal last season but ultimately decided to return. The Pickerington native chose to look elsewhere once again, and this time he will be trading in his Scarlet and Gray for the Garnet and Black of South Carolina.

Williams-Dixon was a three-star prospect in the 2024 class, according to 247sports. With so many talented backs in the mix, Williams-Dixon had a hard time moving up the depth chart with the Buckeyes. In two years with OSU, he accumulated just 52 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries in mostly mop-up duty. Despite being an Ohio native, the lure of being close to home wasn’t enough to entice him to stay, and so he’ll be heading to Columbia to join the Gamecocks.

The last time a former Buckeye left for South Carolina, it didn’t turn out all that well. Quarterback Air Noland left Ohio State for the Gamecocks, staying only a year as a third-string backup before entering the portal again this year. Williams-Dixon may find more luck as the Gamecocks were abysmal at running the ball in 2025. Leading rusher, Rahsul Faison, garnered only 470 yards and three touchdowns. Faison is a grad transfer and has exhausted his eligibility, so the opportunity will certainly be there for Williams-Dixon to take the lead role.

After being a darkhorse candidate to make the College Football Playoff this year, South Carolina fell flat on its face with a record of 4-8, good enough for 13th in the SEC. With quarterback LaNorris Sellers coming back for one more go, maybe Sam Williams-Dixon can be the spark the Gamecocks need to get over the hump.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Former Ohio State tailback announces new homewith SEC school

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