Former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson Jr. has officially committed to Ohio State, marking the start of a new chapter for the talented athlete.
Announced on December 23, 2024, Donaldson, who entered the NCAA transfer portal the previous week, has found his new home at one of college football's most prestigious programs. Ohio State is currently riding high with an 11-2 record and preparing to face Oregon again, this time in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on New Year’s Day.
During his tenure at West Virginia, Donaldson made quite the impression after switching from tight end to running back as a true freshman. Over the course of three seasons, he tallied 2,058 rushing yards and scored 30 touchdowns. His 2024 season alone saw him rush for 734 yards on 163 attempts, marking him as one of the Mountaineers' leading forces after Jahiem White.
Ohio State has been actively enhancing its roster through the transfer portal, with Donaldson being their second signing this offseason. The Buckeyes are bracing for significant changes within their backfield, as two of their leading runners, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, are nearing the end of their eligibility, prompting the need for fresh talent.
Donaldson, standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 238 pounds, brings more than just size to the field; he's known for his physical style of play. Over his career, it’s reported he gained almost two-thirds of his rushing yards after contact, highlighting his resilience and ability to break tackles.
“Donaldson entered the transfer portal last week after West Virginia ended its season with a 42-37 loss to Memphis in the Frisco Bowl,” reported by The Columbus Dispatch. It was during this game where he truly shined amid the adversity, receiving a season-high 22 carries, resulting in 83 yards and two touchdowns.
His physical attributes accompanied by his performance have made Donaldson not just another transfer addition to the Buckeyes but potentially a key player for the team's upcoming football campaign. His presence will likely help fill the void left by Henderson's and Judkins' anticipated departures, giving him ample opportunity to feature prominently within Ohio State's backfield rotation.
With James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon currently the only other scholarship backs on the roster, Donaldson’s experience and impressive stats could give him the edge needed to step up as the leading runner for Ohio State. While Peoples has shown promise with only 49 carries for 197 yards so far, Donaldson’s established record will boost the team's ground attack capabilities.
Just last season, he secured All-Big 12 honorable mention honors as he posted career highs with 798 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Such accolades bring reassurance to Ohio State fans as they look forward to the new season.
Alongside his new teammates, Donaldson will work to adapt to Ohio State’s offensive strategies. His previous experience as both running back and tight end will allow him to be versatile, enabling the Buckeyes to utilize him effectively against differing defensive schemes.
All eyes will be on Donaldson as he enters this next phase of his career with high expectations to meet. With the portal closing soon on December 28, Donaldson’s timely decision allows him to integrate with the Buckeyes and start training with the team leading up to important offseason practices.
"He will have one year of eligibility remaining with the Buckeyes," confirming his status as both experienced yet hungry for success.
Donaldson's return to South Florida roots at Ohio State is also notable; he was initially recruited out of Gulliver Prep as a three-star athlete. His growth from tight end to formidable running back encapsulates his adaptability and readiness to face new challenges head-on.
The future looks bright for CJ Donaldson Jr. as he joins Ohio State, potentially positioning himself as a mainstay within the backfield rotation as they aim for another successful season on the field.
