Ohio State’s New Running Back Star: A Record-Breaking Comparison

Ohio State University has long been known for producing some of the most elite and dominant running backs in college football history. From Archie Griffin to Ezekiel Elliott, the Buckeyes have a proud tradition at the position. In 2025, Ohio State has introduced a new face to its running back room that could potentially become the next great star, and his comparisons to a record-breaking former Buckeye have already set the football world buzzing.

As the Buckeyes gear up for the upcoming season, a new name has emerged in the backfield: Jaden Bellamy. The redshirt freshman is expected to play a pivotal role in Ohio State’s offense, and early comparisons have already begun to draw parallels to former Buckeye and current NFL star, Ezekiel Elliott. Bellamy, known for his combination of speed, vision, and power, brings a different but equally exciting set of skills to Ohio State’s storied football program.

This comparison, while lofty, carries some significant weight. Elliott, who played for Ohio State from 2013 to 2015, is one of the most decorated running backs in school history. His explosive runs, leadership, and key role in Ohio State’s 2014 National Championship victory cemented him as one of the best players to ever wear the scarlet and gray. But can Bellamy live up to the comparison? Let’s explore how Bellamy’s style and potential might just make him the next face of Ohio State’s running back tradition.

The Tradition of Ohio State Running Backs

Before diving into Bellamy’s potential, it’s important to understand the immense history that he’s stepping into. Ohio State has been a factory for producing NFL-caliber running backs, with several legends making their mark on both the college game and at the professional level. Let’s take a quick trip through the rich history of the Buckeyes’ running back position.

Archie Griffin, the only player in NCAA history to win the Heisman Trophy twice (1974 and 1975), is the gold standard for Ohio State running backs. His durability, vision, and ability to take over a game set the bar high for all who would follow. In the years after Griffin’s departure, Ohio State would continue to churn out top-tier talent in the backfield, including players like Keith Byars, Eddie George, and Chris Wells.

Eddie George, in particular, stands out as one of the most successful running backs in both college and professional football. George won the Heisman Trophy in 1995 and was a key figure in Ohio State’s resurgence in the 1990s. His pro career with the Tennessee Titans, including a memorable appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV, cemented his legacy as one of the NFL’s best.

But perhaps the most recent comparison that people are drawing for Bellamy is Ezekiel Elliott, the standout running back from the 2014-2015 era. Elliott’s performance in the College Football Playoff that season was nothing short of legendary, leading the Buckeyes to the National Championship with dominant performances against Alabama and Oregon. In the process, Elliott set several records, including the most rushing yards in a playoff game (since broken) and earning MVP honors for the championship game.

Elliott’s career in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys further solidified his place in the pantheon of Ohio State running back greatness. With multiple Pro Bowl selections, a Rookie of the Year award, and several seasons as one of the league’s top rushers, Elliott’s name is likely to remain synonymous with Ohio State’s football identity for years to come.

Jaden Bellamy: The New Face of Ohio State’s Running Back Room

Fast forward to 2025, and Ohio State finds itself with a new talent at running back who possesses many qualities reminiscent of the school’s past greats. Jaden Bellamy, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound powerhouse, has the kind of build that demands attention from opposing defenses. His combination of size, speed, and vision make him a unique prospect, and early reports out of Columbus have been glowing.

Bellamy enrolled at Ohio State as a highly-rated recruit out of California, where he played for one of the top high school football programs in the nation. He was ranked among the top running back prospects in the country and attracted the attention of several major programs before choosing Ohio State. Known for his hard-charging runs, excellent burst, and ability to break tackles, Bellamy seems tailor-made for the Buckeyes’ run-heavy offense.

What sets Bellamy apart is his blend of traits that could make him even more dangerous than other running backs who have graced the Ohio State backfield. His vision allows him to see running lanes develop almost instinctively, something that is critical in Ohio State’s zone-blocking scheme. But it’s not just his ability to read blocks that make him special—it’s his elusiveness in the open field and his ability to shed tacklers in one-on-one situations.

The Ezekiel Elliott Comparison

When comparing Bellamy to Elliott, there are some obvious similarities. Both players share a physical profile that can wear down defenses over the course of a game. While Bellamy may not have Elliott’s immediate burst in the open field, his balance and ability to break through arm tackles is something that resembles the former Buckeye’s style.

What makes this comparison even more intriguing is the fact that Bellamy is expected to fill a similar role to Elliott in the Ohio State offense. In 2014, Elliott was the feature back for Ohio State in a high-powered offense led by quarterback J.T. Barrett. Elliott’s ability to take control of games was the catalyst for the Buckeyes’ championship run. Bellamy has the potential to be that same type of game-changer for Ohio State in 2025.

Just like Elliott, Bellamy is known for his ability to produce in the clutch. While Elliott had his shining moments in the biggest games, including his 220-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama, Bellamy will likely be asked to carry the load in key moments this season. His physicality between the tackles, combined with his vision, should make him a reliable option for head coach Ryan Day in crucial situations.

Playing Style and Strengths

Bellamy’s running style has some distinct similarities to Elliott, especially when it comes to his physical running and breaking tackles. Where Elliott was known for his punishing stiff arm and ability to drag defenders for extra yards, Bellamy possesses a similar combination of power and finesse that could make him a nightmare for Big Ten defenses.

In terms of speed, Bellamy is slightly faster than Elliott was at the same stage of his career, and his straight-line acceleration is already drawing comparisons to some of the top athletes in college football. While Elliott had the ability to turn a short gain into a long touchdown run, Bellamy’s game-breaking speed means he can get to the edge with ease, creating big-play opportunities. This could make Bellamy a lethal weapon in Ohio State’s wide-open offense, especially in the screen game or when utilizing him in misdirection plays.

Moreover, pass-catching ability is an area where Bellamy can add a different dimension to Ohio State’s offense. While Elliott was an accomplished pass-catcher out of the backfield, Bellamy brings more polished receiving skills than Elliott did early in his career. His ability to catch passes in space and turn them into big-yardage plays gives Ohio State a versatile backfield weapon, allowing them to attack opposing defenses in a variety of ways.

Another area where Bellamy can differentiate himself is his vision in the open field. He is often able to see running lanes develop with precision, and his understanding of defensive schemes allows him to hit the correct hole with little hesitation. This ability, combined with his natural agility, makes Bellamy a dangerous threat once he’s past the line of scrimmage.

Bellamy’s Potential: A New Era for Ohio State

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, Jaden Bellamy has all the potential to become Ohio State’s next great running back. The Buckeyes have always relied on their ground game to wear down opponents, and with Bellamy in the backfield, they will have a player who can carry that tradition forward. With his unique blend of size, speed, vision, and strength, Bellamy could very well become one of the top running backs in the nation in the years to come.

Ohio State fans will undoubtedly watch with great interest as Bellamy takes over as the face of the running back room. Whether or not he ultimately reaches the heights of Ezekiel Elliott remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: the future of Ohio State’s running back room is in good hands with Jaden Bellamy leading the charge.

Bellamy’s rise to stardom could very well be the next chapter in Ohio State’s rich history of dominant running backs. Time will tell if he can truly live up to the comparison with Elliott, but there is no doubt that Bellamy’s combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership will make him a key player for the Buckeyes for years to come.

The Buckeyes’ offense is in for an exciting future, and Jaden Bellamy is poised to be the player who takes it to the next level.