Ohio State’s run game has been lackluster and needs to change against USC, with inexperience at quarterback and postseason hopes on the line.

Ohio State is coming off a contest in which the running backs out-rushed the Hoosiers’ backfield 107 yards to 70. This doesn’t happen often to an Indiana team that averages just under 177 rush yards per game. If the Buckeyes want to win in Los Angeles on Saturday, they will need to sustain this momentum on the ground.

There’s no way around the fact that Ohio State’s running game has been average at best. The Buckeyes rank 64th nationally in yards per game and 80th in yards per attempt. Regardless of the outcome, the QB battle will leave the team with a vastly inexperienced signal caller, making the need to elevate this aspect of the offense more paramount than ever.

Ja’Kobi Jackson’s absence will only make this harder, as he’s currently the team’s second-leading rusher (354) and leads the Buckeyes in both yards per carry (6.0) and rushing touchdowns (6). Coach Day has publicly pleaded with the running back room multiple times this year, challenging them to “run angry” and demanding more explosive runs from the unit as a whole.

When you think of the word “explosive,” it’s hard not to think about Legend Bey’s potential. In Ryan Day’s Tuesday presser, he mentioned Legend’s name alongside Bo Jackson’s and Isaiah West as guys that he hopes can make an impact on Saturday. How will Arthur Smith and the staff choose to use him? That question remains unanswered.

However, Bey is a versatile athlete and can play anywhere from the slot to the wildcat, in theory. How they decide to use him will remain a storyline to watch.

Although USC hasn’t been known for defense in what seems like decades, they’ve improved this year. The rush defense ranks 26th in yards per game and 32nd in yards per attempt. For reference, the Trojans finished well outside the top 50 in both categories last season while allowing over 140 yards per game on the ground.

While the defense still isn’t what you’d call “elite,” it’s a big jump from last year for USC, and the Trojans don’t lack talent, having just brought in the No. 1 recruiting class in 2026, according to 247 Sports.

With Ohio State’s run game struggling to escape mediocrity and USC’s defensive front trending up, this weekend will be another big test for the backfield and the offensive line. Austin Sieverveld has returned to practice this week. While he’s practiced this week and isn’t listed on the availability report, his overall health wasn’t shared, and it’s unclear whether he’ll start and play the whole game or just be available.

Ryan Day said that when Austin returns, he will assume a tackle position, likely on the right side, where he’s practiced this week.  For me, I would project Siereveld as the better option at right tackle right now for a couple of reasons: first, he is Ohio State’s most versatile offensive lineman. Second, right tackle demands more responsibility in the run game.

Confidence at that spot will be a huge need moving forward with youth at quarterback. On a line that has battled health and chemistry issues all season, continuity is a priority.

AVAILABILITY REPORT: Brandon Inniss, Brock Boyd, and Jay Timmons are Questionable against USC.

Kenyatta Jackson, Khary Wilder, and Austin Siereveld are all available. https://t.co/LTlf4nLm6T

— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) October 29, 2026

The unfortunate reality for Ohio State is that against the three best run defenses they have faced this year (Texas, Iowa, and Indiana), the backfield has averaged just 130.3 yards per contest. That would put them 92nd in the country as of today. Such a sharp drop-off against equal competition is something this team simply cannot afford if OSU wants to be a legitimate playoff contender.

This, compounded by the fact that the Buckeyes will be missing Ja’Kobi Jackson, who accounted for half of the team’s 11+ yard runs, means Ryan Day will rely heavily on Bo Jackson and Isaiah West’s continued development and production.

Both backs have flashed on multiple occasions, but this Saturday they will have to show consistency, break tackles, and make defenses pay in the second level, where USC will be more vulnerable to big plays. Entering a matchup with its back against the wall and a coach in Lincoln Riley whose seat is hotter than ever, Ohio State will likely get its best shot in the Coliseum come Saturday.

The rushing attack must ensure the starting quarterback has the best chance to succeed and give the Buckeyes a realistic shot at a 2026 postseason run.