Ryan Day’s latest comment points to a key development for Ohio State freshman Legend Bey that could be crucial
Legend Bey didn’t get off to a great start in fall camp for the Buckeyes, but the tide seems to have changed.
Ohio State Buckeyes true freshman running back Legend Bey is turning heads after a rough beginning to fall camp. The 2026 college football season is approaching, and Bey’s development in Ohio State’s running back room could give the Buckeyes another explosive weapon on offense.
Ryan Day offered encouraging words about the former Texas high school standout following the team’s first fall scrimmage, a sign that Bey is putting early trouble behind him.
Legend Bey’s suspension is in the rearview mirror
When Ohio State opened fall camp, one of the notable storylines was Bey’s absence from the team. The true freshman was suspended for a couple of practices due to violating team rules. The specifics of the violation were never disclosed, but it was clear Bey started camp on the wrong foot.
Since then, Bey appears to have gotten acclimated with the Buckeyes and taken care of business. The former four-star recruit is an elite athlete with the ball in his hands, and that’s the reason Ohio State pushed so hard to land him. The Buckeyes flipped Bey from Tennessee once, only for him to sign with the Volunteers. Ohio State then signed Bey after he received his release from Tennessee.
That persistence is paying off. Bey had a good weekend during Ohio State’s first fall scrimmage, and Day said the following about his progress:
“Legend is learning how to play the position, but you certainly can see the talent,” Bey said. “He had some big plays, some explosive plays today. I think if he continues to grow and continues to get better, all of those things, take care of the football. You can see what a weapon he can become for us.”
Where Bey fits in Ohio State’s running back room
Bey was a high school quarterback who did a ton of running and isn’t your typical running back build at about 5-foot-10, 180 pounds. He’s going to be more of a player the Buckeyes get in space and allow to use his athleticism to make defenders miss and hit a home run.
Ohio State’s running back room features Bo Jackson and Isaiah West as the top two backs who will play the most. Florida transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson should slot in as the third running back. From there, Bey could fit in as the fourth option, and he could earn reps even earlier in special packages designed to get the ball in his hands.
Day doesn’t say things by accident. If he’s putting it out into the public that Bey is coming along, it means something. The Buckeyes clearly see a role for the explosive true freshman, and his ability to stay on track after the early suspension will be worth watching as Ohio State pushes toward the regular season.
