Buckeyes set to hire Oregon running backs coach Carlos Locklyn

COLUMBUS — Ohio State lost running backs coach Tony Alford to its biggest rival two practices into spring ball. But the Buckeyes have now found his replacement.

They’re hiring Oregon running backs coach Carlos Locklyn as their next running backs coach, a source confirmed to Lettermen Row on Monday. A deal is expected to be finalized soon.

Locklyn will be making the move to Columbus for the next step in his career after two seasons in Eugene — just before the Ducks join the Big Ten.

The news was first reported Monday morning by 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

Ohio State wasn’t in a rush to make a move. More than halfway into the spring season, the Buckeyes have their guy.

“We’re into the process of identifying replacements. Excited about the group that we’ve already identified,” Day said earlier this month about the search. “I’m going to be thorough in the process. I think the good news is that we’re not in a situation where we have to make a quick decision based on recruiting or the portal or anything like that. I talked to the running backs. They’re great. They’re actually going to be part of the process.

“I’d like for the part of the interview process for the running backs to meet the candidates. Obviously, ultimately, I’ll make the decision, and Chip will be a huge part of it. But the input of the running backs will be important.”

The choice became clear this week: Carlos Locklyn is the man for the job at Ohio State.

Locklyn, 46, has been at Oregon since 2022, when he was hired by the Ducks as part of Dan Lanning’s inaugural staff after spending 2021 at Western Kentucky. The four years before that, he served in off-field roles at Florida State and Memphis.

Locklyn played his college football at Chattanooga, where he rushed for 1,555 yards over three seasons, in addition to piling up 71 catches for 676 yards. He also lined up at cornerback his junior year, even tying for the team lead in interceptions.

Perhaps most notably, he helped Minnesota transfer Bucky Irving rush for 1,000-plus yards in back-to-back seasons at Oregon. Locklyn brought Noah Whittington with him from Western Kentucky to Oregon, and Whittington has logged 779 yards on the ground his first year with the Ducks. Last season, Jordan James stepped up as RB2 in Eugene with 759 rushing yards.

Lockyln will have an even deeper and more talented backfield to work with at Ohio State.

The Buckeyes return senior star TreVeyon Henderson and third-year back Dallan Hayden. They also added former All-SEC tailback and Ole Miss star Quinshon Judkins to the running back room this offseason.

“I think it’s the best running back room in the country,” Day said. “So whoever we hire is going to have an unbelievable opportunity and a great group of guys.”

That person is Carlos Locklyn. Ohio State has its next running backs coach.

Lettermen Row will have more coverage of the hire in the coming minutes, hours and days. Stay locked in with Lettermen Row for full coverage of Ohio State.

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