Ohio State’s 2027 recruiting class still has no running back commitment after Cincinnati Princeton standout Jordan Hall chose Penn State over the Buckeyes and Missouri on October 24. The decision ends a recruitment that intensified this fall and leaves running backs coach Carlos Locklyn and the Ohio State staff needing to fill at least one, and ideally two, spots at the position before the December signing period.
Hall, listed around 5-foot-11 and 197-205 pounds, is a three-star prospect in the Rivals and 247Sports rankings (approximately the No. 60 running back nationally and a top-35 player in Ohio). He missed his junior season with an injury, then exploded as a senior with more than 1,100 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns while leading Princeton to an undefeated start. Camp performances, including a 4.43 forty and strong shuttle times, helped him rise. He had previously committed to Miami (Ohio) before reopening his recruitment in early September after Power Four offers arrived. He took two visits each to Ohio State and Penn State this fall. Penn State head coach Matt Campbell attended one of Hall’s games, and the Nittany Lions emphasized an early opportunity in their backfield. Ohio State was viewed as a strong contender late, but Hall ultimately chose State College.
This marks the second time in the cycle that Ohio State has missed on its top remaining high-school running back target after five-star David Gabriel Georges committed to Tennessee earlier. The Buckeyes’ 2027 class is otherwise well-stocked and ranks among the top groups nationally, but the running back room remains empty on the high-school side.
Why the Position Still Matters
Ohio State’s current roster has capable backs, and the program has historically developed talent at the position. Still, adding a high-school running back in the 2027 class provides long-term depth and continuity. The staff has indicated it would prefer two commitments at the position. With the early signing period approaching, options are narrowing, which increases the likelihood that Ohio State will pursue flips of currently committed prospects or address the spot later through the transfer portal.
Remaining High-School Targets
Reporting from 247Sports and other outlets indicates Ohio State will continue pursuing several names:
- Kingston Allen — Currently committed to Wisconsin, Allen is a four-star prospect the Buckeyes have recruited. Flip attempts are common in this stage of the cycle when a program has a clear need.
- Nigel Newkirk — An Alabama commit and four-star back. Ohio State has shown interest, and any late movement among SEC programs could create an opening.
- Jayden Miles — A Florida State commit and four-star prospect. The Buckeyes have been linked to him as a potential target if his commitment softens.
- Tranard Roberts — A Florida prospect who listed Ohio State among his finalists (alongside Georgia, Miami, and North Carolina) and had a decision window around late October. While the Buckeyes were not the heavy favorites in most projections, he remains a relevant name on the board.
These are not the only possibilities. The board can expand as more prospects finish their senior seasons and rankings update. In-state options have been prioritized in the past, but the staff has also recruited nationally at the position when necessary.
Realistic Paths Forward
Ohio State has a few practical routes:
- Flip a committed back — This is the most direct short-term path. Programs regularly flip late when a recruit’s current commitment feels less secure or when a higher-profile opportunity appears. Success depends on relationships, NIL considerations, and how each prospect evaluates playing-time projections.
- Identify a new uncommitted or lesser-known prospect — Senior seasons are still underway. Late risers who produce big numbers or impress at camps can move up boards quickly, similar to how Hall’s profile improved.
- Supplement with the transfer portal — After the season, the portal offers a way to add proven production. Ohio State has used the portal effectively in other areas, and a backfield addition remains possible once the roster picture for 2027 becomes clearer.
- Look ahead to 2028 — The staff already has interest in future classes, and a strong 2028 running back could reduce pressure on the current cycle, though it does not solve the immediate 2027 need.
Context for the Buckeyes
Missing on an in-state target always draws attention, especially against a Big Ten rival. However, one miss does not define a class. Ohio State’s 2027 group remains highly rated overall, led by elite prospects on the defensive line and at other skill positions. The running back spot is simply the clearest remaining hole on the high-school side.
Carlos Locklyn and the staff now have a defined window to adjust. Their evaluation of the remaining board, willingness to pursue flips, and ability to sell the program’s developmental track and resources will shape what the backfield looks like when the 2027 class arrives. Until a commitment lands, the position stays open, and the search continues.
