Ex-Ohio State football running back Dallan Hayden has decided to transfer to Colorado.
Former Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden announced on Monday that he will be making a transfer to Colorado. Hayden, one of two Buckeyes to enter the transfer portal during the spring’s 15-day window, reportedly visited the school over the weekend, as per a report from On3.
Colorado has heavily utilized the transfer portal since hiring Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as their head coach 16 months ago. In their first year under “Coach Prime,” the Buffaloes brought in 53 transfers, with many more joining this offseason. Hayden marks the fifth transfer to commit to the program during this spring window alone.
During his time with the Buckeyes, Hayden served as a backup in the backfield rotation for two seasons. Despite being expected to remain behind TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins on the depth chart this year, Hayden demonstrated promise. He notably achieved consecutive 100-yard rushing performances as a freshman in 2022, including a standout performance with three rushing touchdowns in a win against Maryland. He also stepped up last fall in a win against Purdue when injuries affected the team.
In total, Hayden recorded 663 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 13 games at Ohio State. Having preserved his redshirt last fall, he still has three years of eligibility left.
Colorado is anticipated to offer Hayden more opportunities, especially with Anthony Hankerson, who led the team with 78 carries last fall, transferring to Oregon State over the winter. Hankerson’s departure leaves Dylan Edwards, who led the team in rushing yards as a freshman in 2023, as the primary returning option in the backfield.
