The theme of each of these positional splits has largely been how much Ohio lost. The same goes for the Bobcats’ running backs, but this position group could be one of the most exciting to watch next season.
Ohio’s departures will be tough to replace, but if there’s one position that could improve this season, it’s Ohio’s running backs. Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is gone?
Ohio will be without last year’s top two runners this year, as both Sieh Bangurra and O’Shaan Allison left clubs at the end of the season.
Bangurra, a three-year veteran of Ohio’s running back room, was just a few yards away from 2,000 career rushing yards after two years as a starter. Allison played five seasons at Ohio and managed 1,671 rushing yards despite being plagued by injuries and missed playing time.
Who is back
Ohio will bring back two players who played several times in 2023: Rickey Hunt Jr. and Nolan McCormick.
Hunt has already established himself as a prominent figure in the Ohio sports community after scoring five total touchdowns in his first career start against Georgia Southern in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Hunt is expected to start the season as a sophomore at running back.
McCormick hasn’t quite gotten the recognition in the community that Hunt has, but he also played in the bowl game, totaling 40 rushing yards. McCormick will begin the 2024 season as a sophomore.
Who is new
One of Ohio’s most interesting additions through the transfer portal is running back Anthony Tyus III from Northwestern. Tyus appeared in 12 games for Northwestern last year, totaling 238 rushing yards and one touchdown. Tyus, a graduate student, is expected to be Hunt’s primary backup on offense.
The only other new addition to the running back squad was Duncan Brune, a newcomer from Cologne.
