Ohio State’s running back depth has taken a hit just days before the team’s crucial Cotton Bowl matchup against Texas on Friday night.
The Buckeyes, ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings, will face No. 5 Texas with a spot in the national title game on the line.
Ryan Day’s squad enters the game fresh off a dominant Rose Bowl victory over Oregon, while Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns secured their place in the semifinal by defeating Arizona State in the Peach Bowl.
However, Ohio State has encountered some roster turbulence.
The NCAA transfer portal remains open, and with the spring semester beginning soon, players are moving quickly to secure their next opportunities.
Surprisingly, freshman running back Sam Williams-Dixon became the latest Buckeye to announce his transfer intentions.
Williams-Dixon, a former three-star recruit from nearby Pickerington North High School, confirmed his decision to leave Ohio State.
The young running back, who carried the ball seven times for 53 yards this season – including a standout 31-yard run against Western Michigan – explained his decision through a report shared by Jeremy Birmingham.
“Ohio State Freshman RB Sam Williams-Dixon just informed me that he’ll be entering the transfer portal. He let the staff know on Sunday and has all paperwork completed. He will not be staying with the Buckeyes through the end of the playoffs. SWD had 7 carries for 53 yards as a true freshman, including a 31-yard run against Western Michigan in September,” Birmingham reported.
Williams-Dixon’s controversial decision to leave the team as they are on the doorsteps of winning a national championship has highlighted everything that is wrong with the current system in college football.
Needless to say, Ohio State fans had a whole lot to say about the developments on social media…
“Like I understand. Go elsewhere and get a great opportunity. Good on you kid. But your team has a chance to possibly win a National Championship. Why not wait a few weeks? You’ve worked so hard this season. Why wouldn’t you see if you can get a ring?” one fan posted on X.
“Kids have no patience now that it’s an easy way out. Kid is a true freshman, give yourself time to breath and grow??? Is this a potential sign Judkins is in fact coming back for the 2025 season?? Because that would put Williams-Dixon at 3rd/4th on the depth chart…at best,” another added.
“Big loss, but the room is stacked with young talent,” said another.
“Sucks because he’s a local kid, but this is rich people’s problems. Even the freshmen coming in were going to bury him in the depth chart,” a confident Buckeyes fan reassured.
Williams-Dixon’s departure underscores the challenges programs face in retaining players in the era of the transfer portal.
Clearly, something needs to change with these transfer windows. At the end of the day, common sense needs to prevail.
What are your thoughts on Williams-Dixon’s decision and the whole timing of everything?
While we’re on the subject, what is your prediction for Friday’s massive showdown???
