Ohio State is likely to be down to two scholarship running backs when it takes the field for the spring game on Saturday.
With projected top two backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West already out, Ryan Day said that both Legend Bey and Anthony "Turbo" Rogers are doubtful for the intrasquad scrimmage with their own injuries.
"Probably won't have three of those guys out there – probably not four of them," Day said on Monday. "Turbo is probably not gonna make it, Legend's probably not gonna make it. So we're down running backs."
Day did not specify what Rogers' injury is, but did say that Bey is dealing with hamstring issues that have held him out of several recent practices.
Jackson and West have missed the entirety of spring practice after receiving offseason shoulder surgery, though all four backs out for the spring game are expected to be back for preseason camp in August. Jackson emerged as Ohio State's starting running back as a freshman in 2025, rushing for 1,090 yards at a clip of 6.1 yards per carry. West carved out a role as a freshman himself, picking up 310 yards on 5.3 yards per carry.
Rogers is yet to play a snap for Ohio State after redshirting his freshman year in 2025 due to injury. Bey has been one of the most hyped freshmen from the Buckeyes' 2026 recruiting class, a freak athlete and top-130 prospect, but his rise is now delayed for a moment.
The only two scholarship running backs set to be healthy for the spring game are Florida transfer Ja'Kobi Jackson and freshman Favour Akih. Walk-on running back Stanley Jackson Jr. could be in line for carries with the Buckeyes' third-team offense. As such, there will be an emphasis on the passing game in the Shoe.
"We'll have to throw the ball some, which is good for the quarterbacks to get the ball out of their hand, see how they handle the environment," Day said. "And then get a chance to see the ball with the wide receivers and see what those guys do. And then pass rush and pass protection, there'll probably be some of that. Not that we won't run the ball, but with those guys down, you probably won't get as much of that."
Ohio State's spring game kicks off at noon Saturday from Ohio Stadium. Big Ten Network will carry the broadcast.
