The spring transfer portal is open, and there haven't been as many notable additions as expected thus far. The biggest name to throw his name into the sorting hat's pile is Dallan Hayden. The 5'10", 205-pounder is entering his third year in college and has three seasons remaining eligibility since he redshirted in 2023.
Hayden made waves as a true freshman in 2022 after injuries required him to play. He started the year buried on the depth chart, but TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams, and Chip Trayanum couldn't stay healthy for the entire season. Hayden stepped in to play 10 games, ranking second on the team with 111 carries and 553 yards.
A strong downhill runner who cuts the fluff when it comes to following his assigned gap and taking what's available, Hayden was a breath of fresh air for the Buckeyes. Where Henderson tends to search for his own path, and Williams doesn't have the juice to burst through the line, Hayden has the agility and vision.
Why is Dallan Hayden Transferring from Ohio State?
Despite this, Hayden was on board with redshirting in 2023 to become "the guy" for the Buckeyes this season. If all went well, Henderson would've joined Williams in departing the program, opening the door for Hayden to be the focal point of the ground game. But despite Henderson getting back to form with 1,155 total yards and 11 touchdowns, he didn't go pro.
Then, the Buckeyes doubled down by grabbing Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss via the transfer portal. Considering Judkins led the Power 5 conferences in rushing yards over the last two years, he'll obviously play over Hayden.
So, where could Hayden land for 2024 and beyond? On3's Steve Wiltfong has reported that Hayden has heard from Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Colorado, UCLA, Louisville, Auburn, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech thus far. Here are our four favorite landing spots for Hayden.
Dallan Hayden Landing Spots
Texas A&M Aggies
Mike Elko's Aggies should have deep pockets to lure Hayden and an attractive scheme and situation. QB Conner Weigman might be QB1 in 2025, and the Aggies lack a star rusher. Incumbents Amari Daniels and Le'Veon Moss were good but not so efficient or explosive that Hayden couldn't win the job.
Four of the Aggies' offensive linemen are juniors or older, with sophomore right tackle Chase Bisontis being the potential youngling of the group. This bodes well for their success as a rushing unit.
The passing attack might have Weigman, but it isn't overwhelmingly promising after Ainias Smith graduated and Evan Stewart transferred to Oregon. We like this fit, but it's not our favorite.
Colorado Buffaloes
The start of the spring transfer portal hasn't been kind to Coach Prime and the Buffaloes. Seeing their best offensive tackle and a few key reserves jump ship only makes things more difficult for a lacking roster. This weak portal class isn't going to provide them with guaranteed help.
It's impossible to blame Hayden for being interested in Prime's program, but the Buffaloes have an awful situation. QB Shedeur Sanders opted to return for 2024, but even that might hurt him more than help if he's battered and bruised again. Colorado's five new offensive linemen will be a boom-or-bust proposition.
He'd also be entering a solid backfield. Dylan Edwards had a few great moments when he had space to move in 2023, and Alton McCaskill was really good at Houston before tearing his ACL. This is a tough sell for Hayden.
Ole Miss Rebels
Lane Kiffin has apparently not made contact yet, but there was early buzz about the Rebels completing the running back trade with Ohio State. With Judkins in Columbus, Hayden has a path to taking his job in Oxford, even with Ulysses Bentley IV sure to platoon with him. This is our favorite potential landing spot for him.
The offensive core of Jaxson Dart, Hayden, Bentley, Tre Harris, and Antwane Wells Jr. is ridiculous. In this scenario, Kiffin might produce the top-scoring offense in the nation.
Louisville Cardinals
Sure, Louisville isn't the sexy choice for many, but it's logical. The Cardinals lost a ton of talent after their shocking 10-4 2023 season. Jeff Brohm watched Jack Plummer, Jawhar Jordan, Isaac Guerendo, and Jamari Thrash exit.
Having eight transfers slate to start in 2024 is risky for the team and Hayden, but the system is worth it if he can win the primary back job from Donald Chaney and Maurice Turner.
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