A lot of Ohio State football players entered their names into the transfer portal before and after the season was over. Some wanted to stay with the team throughout their run to a national championship before officially signing with another team. Devin Brown was among the players who did that.
The Buckeyes did some work in the portal of their own, adding some players at key positions. It’s rare that a player enters the portal and then takes his name out, but it does happen. That’s what Bryson Rodgers did last year before returning to the Buckeyes in 2024.
Another player for the Ohio State Buckeyes has decided to do the same thing. This time, it’s running back Sam Williams-Dixon. Williams-Dixon was just a freshman this past season but decided to enter the portal anyway. Now, he has decided that he wants to remain in Columbus.
Ohio State football player Sam Williams-Dixon pulls his name out of the transfer portal
Williams-Dixon has decided to come back to the Buckeyes, which is probably the right move for him. With both TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins off to the NFL, he will have more opportunities to carry the ball. That’s even the case with both C.J. Donaldson Jr. and James Peoples ahead of him on the depth chart.
In limited time last year, Williams-Dixon looked pretty good with the ball in his hands. He finished the season with seven carries for 53 yards. Most of those carries came during mop-up duty in the non-conference portion of the schedule. He appeared in just three games in 2024.
Williams-Dixon must not have found any better options in the portal. He’ll likely get some carries in 2025, with the Buckeyes wanting to keep the running backs fresh throughout the year. If he plays well in the Spring, perhaps he can push Peoples for the backup role.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are going to use their running backs a lot under Brian Hartline. He’s going to want to use the run to help set up the pass in his first season as a play-caller.
Personally, I’m glad Williams-Dixon will return. Having an experienced RB is nearly ALWAYS a plus!
I would not, however, call this a MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT for THE Buckeyes!!!