Isaiah West Could Be Not-So-Secret Weapon This Season

Will Isaiah West emerge as Ohio State’s not-so-secret weapon in 2026?

Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr revisit their expectations for the talented second-year running back after continuing to hear strong reviews about his potential inside the Ohio State football program.

West rushed for 312 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman, but his role could grow considerably in an offense expected to place a greater emphasis on the running game under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

How close is West to presumed starter Bo Jackson? Could the two running backs combine for 2,000 rushing yards? And might West’s size make him Ohio State’s primary short-yardage and goal-line option?

Tony and Tom discuss West’s projected carries, rushing yards and touchdowns, the value of keeping the Buckeyes’ running backs fresh, and why West could be much more than a traditional backup this season.

Let us know your Isaiah West projections in the comments.

0:00 — Will Isaiah West be Ohio State’s secret weapon?
1:09 — Why expectations for West have changed
2:42 — Revisiting the preseason projections
4:19 — Could West rush for more than 800 yards?
5:49 — West’s potential short-yardage role
7:51 — Projecting his 2026 touchdown total
9:07 — Could West produce his first 100-yard game?
11:09 — Why Ohio State will divide the carries
12:01 — Final Isaiah West projections

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