Ohio State Football Has a Receiver Ready to Take Snaps in the Backfield: Buckeye Breakfast

Ohio State football is known for its high-powered offense, stellar quarterback play, and a deep roster of wide receivers who are capable of breaking games open. From Cris Carter to Michael Thomas, and now to Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes have had some of the best wide receivers in college football history. But this season, there’s a new wrinkle in the Buckeyes’ offense that is sure to turn heads: a wide receiver lining up in the backfield.

While it’s not uncommon for teams to move skilled players around, what’s fascinating about this new development is the unique blend of talent Ohio State possesses, and the innovative ways they are choosing to utilize their players. As the season progresses, Ohio State’s coaching staff has shown a willingness to embrace versatility and adaptability in their offensive scheme, and this bold move has the potential to be a game-changer.

A New Look for Ohio State’s Offense

The Buckeyes’ offensive system has always been known for its ability to adapt to talent. With the emergence of running backs like J.K. Dobbins, Ezekiel Elliott, and Trey Sermon in the past, Ohio State has consistently had an effective ground game to complement its explosive passing attack. But this year, in a move that’s both creative and strategic, the coaching staff has decided to put one of their most dangerous weapons—a wide receiver—in the backfield.

The player in question is none other than Xavier Johnson—a former wide receiver who has shown a unique ability to make plays in space. Johnson’s athleticism and versatility make him an ideal candidate for such a role. Known for his speed, quickness, and ability to break tackles, Johnson has been working in practice to become a dual-threat player—both as a wide receiver and a running back.

By taking a receiver like Johnson and putting him in the backfield, Ohio State opens up new possibilities in their offense. The defense will have to account for the threat of him running the ball, but they’ll also have to remember he’s a wide receiver who can stretch the field vertically. This unpredictability forces defenses to be more flexible in their coverage and could lead to mismatches that Ohio State can exploit.

Why the Move Makes Sense

The idea of a wide receiver playing in the backfield is not without precedent, but its implementation can significantly impact the flow of the game. Let’s break down why Ohio State is making this move and why it could be so successful.

1. Versatility and Mismatches

In today’s college football landscape, versatility is key. The best offenses in the country are those that can adapt to a variety of defensive looks and exploit weaknesses on the fly. By adding a wide receiver to the backfield, Ohio State can create mismatches against slower linebackers or defensive backs who might struggle to contain someone like Johnson in the open field.

When a defense has to choose between playing a traditional linebacker or a defensive back against a fast, shifty player like Johnson, it can cause chaos in their coverage scheme. This uncertainty is something that Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Ryan Day, has undoubtedly recognized and will seek to take advantage of in the coming season.

2. Ohio State’s Depth of Talent

The Buckeyes are in a fortunate position when it comes to offensive talent. They have multiple players who can make an impact both in the air and on the ground. With running backs like Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson already entrenched in the starting roles, adding Johnson to the backfield provides even more depth, offering new ways to utilize these playmakers.

Johnson, who has been primarily used as a receiver, will now provide a new wrinkle to an already potent offense. Instead of just lining up outside, he will have the chance to run inside the tackles, go on jet sweeps, and potentially take screen passes or quick dump-offs. His ability to read the defense and make quick decisions will be crucial in this new role.

This move also provides a safety net for Ohio State in the event of injuries to the starting backs. With Henderson and Williams expected to carry a heavy workload, having Johnson in the backfield ensures that there is a skilled player ready to step up without missing a beat.

3. Dynamic Play Calling

Ohio State’s offense has long been defined by its ability to change gears and be unpredictable. With Johnson lining up in the backfield, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has even more flexibility in his play calling. Whether it’s motioning Johnson out wide for a quick screen or running a jet sweep to catch the defense off guard, the possibilities are endless.

This move opens up a variety of new options in the playbook that could be game-changers. Having a player who can do it all—run the ball, catch passes, and even serve as a decoy—gives Ohio State the freedom to call plays that exploit whatever weaknesses they see on the field. It’s a chess match where the Buckeyes are moving their pieces to gain an advantage at every turn.

The Benefits for Ohio State

The benefits of adding a receiver to the backfield go beyond just the initial novelty. This move could provide multiple advantages that could pay off throughout the season.

1. Improved Yards After Catch (YAC)

One of the areas where Ohio State has excelled in recent years is YAC—Yards After Catch. With playmakers like Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and others in the receiving corps, Ohio State’s ability to turn short passes into long gains has been a key factor in their offensive success. By moving a player like Johnson into the backfield, the Buckeyes can create more opportunities for him to make defenders miss, turning potential short gains into explosive plays.

As defenses collapse around him, Johnson’s quickness and vision could lead to significant yardage after the catch, which is especially valuable in critical situations like third downs or in the red zone.

2. Keeping Defenses Honest

Defensive coordinators are always looking for ways to disrupt the offense. If Johnson, a wide receiver with explosive ability, is now an option to run the ball out of the backfield, defenses will have to keep an eye on him at all times. This dynamic makes it harder for them to focus solely on the traditional running backs or receivers.

Whether it’s a fake handoff to Johnson that results in a deep pass down the sideline or a quick pitch that leads to a burst up the middle, the offense becomes harder to predict. Defenses will need to be more disciplined in their assignments, especially in situations where Ohio State is looking to break a big play.

3. A New Dimension in Special Teams

Additionally, Johnson’s new role could have implications on special teams. His experience as a wide receiver gives him an understanding of spacing and route running that could make him an even more dangerous return man. While he may not be exclusively used on special teams, his versatility could allow the Buckeyes to use him in multiple roles, putting pressure on opposing coverage units.