Ryan Day’s latest update came with some strong words about Ohio State’s potential X-factor in 2026
Ryan Day doesn’t say things on accident and that’s why what he had to say about Ohio State RB Isaiah West is making waves.
Thursday marked the start of fall camp for Ohio State football, and the Buckeyes are already generating buzz about their backfield depth heading into the 2026 college football season.
While Ohio State returns stars like wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin, and running back Bo Jackson on the offensive side of the football, coach Ryan Day made it clear that sophomore running back Isaiah West could be a significant piece of what the Buckeyes do on the ground this year.
West, who is expected to be second on the depth chart behind Jackson entering his true sophomore season, received strong praise from Day on the first day of practice.
Ryan Day gives glowing review of Isaiah West’s offseason
Day provided a great update on where things stand with West and the offseason he’s had.
“First off, you can see his body. You can see the work he’s put in,” Day said after the first fall practice. “Had a tremendous off season, one of the best in the whole building. Consistency, and when he was in there last year, he showed some real good things, so we want him to take the next step, just as we do Bo.
But just Isaiah, one year in the program. By the way, when you have the injury like he had, sometimes it takes a year or two to get back into it. We’re seeing him look the best physically he’s looked, and so that’s exciting. But again, same thing, just day one.”
The big offseason is the point of emphasis. West stands 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, and he looks physically imposing. Last season as a true freshman, he ran for 310 yards and two touchdowns on 59 carries in 10 games played. He started the season as Ohio State’s fourth running back, and by the end of the year, he looked like running back No. 2 in Columbus.
From 3-star recruit to potential breakout candidate
West was a three-star recruit out of high school and wasn’t heavily regarded on the recruiting trail. He also suffered a late high school injury, which didn’t help his recruiting ranking at all. Still, he showed great promise for what he can be for the Buckeyes last season, just a year removed from the injury, and he’s expected to take the next step in 2026.
If West can do that, it’s going to be huge for Ohio State. Both Jackson and West are on the same timeline as true sophomores, and running backs coach Carlos Locklyn should have them around through the 2027 season. The two of them taking a step together this year is a big deal for the program’s rushing attack.
Day doesn’t say things accidentally. If he’s talking up West on the first day of practice, that should be something to note. With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith now calling plays, West and the Ohio State backfield figure to be central to what the Buckeyes do on the ground this season.
