Ohio State will be without freshman running back Sam Williams-Dixon, who has announced he will enter the transfer portal after just one season with the program. Williams-Dixon informed Ohio State of his decision on Sunday, following the Buckeyes’ 41-21 win over Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. He also communicated that he would not remain with the team through the CFP.
The No. 8 seed Buckeyes are set to face the No. 5 Texas Longhorns in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10. Williams-Dixon, a 5-foot-11, 203-pound back, committed to Ohio State in April 2023 and enrolled in February 2024. In his freshman season, he finished with seven carries for 53 yards.
Sam Williams-Dixon had committed to Ohio State over 14 other offers, ranking as the No. 661 player in 247Sports’ Composite rankings. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Williams-Dixon had the potential to quickly rise on the depth chart, especially with running backs TreVeyon Henderson entering the NFL draft and Quinshon Judkins likely following suit this offseason. Despite the opportunity for increased playing time, he has decided to enter the transfer portal.
The Buckeyes’ backfield will now feature James Peoples and CJ Donaldson, who is transferring from West Virginia. Ohio State also has three running backs from its 2025 recruiting class: Anthony Rogers, Bo Jackson, and Isaiah West. Williams-Dixon’s departure marks the 12th player to leave the program via the transfer portal. The Buckeyes currently rank 22nd in On3Sports’ transfer portal team rankings.
