Ohio State running back Isaiah West is turning heads during fall camp, as the Buckeyes sort out their talented RB room.
Early this past Spring, The Silver Bulletin asked Isaiah West to describe 2026 in one word. With a grin on his face, he said, “explosive.”
Four practices into fall camp, the Ohio State running back has certainly kept his word.
Isaiah West has flashed in an array of ways, becoming the story of the backfield thus far. After a second year to recover from his leg injury, his overall burst and agility have taken a noticeable leap. His ability in this pass game is also evident as he’s been utilizing his hands both behind the line of scrimmage and downfield.
Having a dependable safety valve in the backfield for Julian Sayin would be a welcome sight and yet another added layer to the Buckeye offense in 2026.
Coupled with being a threat out of the backfield, Isaiah West has visibly packed on weight. Per running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, West put on over 10 lbs of lean muscle during the winter and Spring. Not only is this promising for his overall health, but it also provides him with a burst of speed and power in the secondary, which is something that both Coach Day and Locklyn have been adamant about all off-season.
Ohio State Needs Big Plays from Backfield
Ryan Day has been on record discussing the “unique” nature of the running back room this year. The versatility and talent are evident, but Day wants someone to take the next step into becoming elite. “To get where we need to go, we need major runs out of our backs,” said Day.
“Look what Zeke did, what Quinshon did, and obviously what TreyVeyon did. They had games where they took over.” In a room with West, Bo Jackson and Legend Bey, the potential is undoubtedly there.
Bey missed the first two practices for violating team rules, but returned to the field on Saturday. He wasn’t able to create much separation in the early periods, and has ground to make up from missing time in the Spring and now the fall. Still, Bey is uber-talented and will leap forward. How soon remains the question for the versatile playmaker.
On the front of returning production, Bo Jackson brings 1,090 yards to the backfield this season. His shiftiness in space needs to lead to home run plays this season. Jackson needs to use his legs to his advantage and avoid arm tackles in critical moments.
However, Jackson got better as the year wore on and eclipsed 100 yards in each of Ohio State’s final three games. Now, it’s up to him to find the late-season momentum to propel the Buckeyes’ ground game facilitated by Arthur Smith.
With the ascension of Isaiah West, could he be the back that Day is looking for? Considering his physical development, second-level running ability, and prowess in the pass game, it’s entirely possible that West could become that.
NEXT: Read Iron Sharpens Iron: Julian Sayin’s Newfound Physicality Fuels Ohio State’s Fall Camp Intensity
Grant Kincaid was born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Dayton. He serves as Creative Director and basketball contributor at The Silver Bulletin. At one point, Grant, a collegiate baseball player, also holds a B.A. in Management and Leadership Studies. Aside from the Buckeyes, he is an avid supporter of both the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. His favorite Buckeyes include Braxton Miller, AJ Hawk, and Ted Ginn Jr.