The Ohio State Buckeyes’ backfield will undergo major changes in 2025, with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins heading to the NFL. Despite their departures, there’s optimism that the unit will remain highly productive. Ohio State has high expectations for James Peoples while also counting on transfer CJ Donaldson, who arrived from West Virginia after three seasons with the Mountaineers.
Donaldson was a force at West Virginia, racking up 30 touchdowns. However, he believes his physical transformation since joining Ohio State will make him even more explosive in 2025. Under the guidance of running backs coach Carlos Locklyn and director of sports performance Mickey Marotti, he has shed about 18 pounds and is already noticing improvements.
“I was 243, I think, the day I got here, and Coach Mick said, ‘That’s going to change quickly,’” Donaldson told reporters, per *Eleven Warriors*. “Coach Lock wanted me at a size where I could still use my physical attributes well while also being more explosive and playing more downs than I did before.
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“I feel like I’m running like the Flash right now. I definitely feel quicker and more explosive.”
Now, Donaldson will need to prove it on the field. With Henderson and Judkins forming a dominant duo in Ohio State’s 2024 national title run, expectations will be high for Donaldson and Peoples to carry the load. He’s talking the talk—come August 30 against Texas, it’ll be time to walk the walk.
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