Columbus, Ohio – In a move that resonates deeply with the Ohio State faithful and underscores the profound connection between a player and his alma mater, the Ohio State Buckeyes are celebrating the enduring legacy of elite young running back TreVeyon Henderson, widely regarded as one of the most electrifying talents to ever wear the Scarlet and Gray. While the initial phrasing might imply a new commitment or transfer, this powerful sentiment of “landing” and “welcome home, champ!” is a metaphorical, yet profoundly significant, acknowledgment of Henderson’s indelible mark on the program, especially as he embarks on his professional career. It’s a testament to his unmatched contributions and the fact that he will forever be a Buckeye legend.
Recent developments confirm that TreVeyon Henderson was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round (38th overall pick) of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 25, 2025. This means the “breaking news” is not a new collegiate commitment, but rather a celebratory affirmation of his successful journey from a top recruit to an NFL-bound star, all within the Ohio State system.
TreVeyon Henderson arrived in Columbus as a five-star prospect and the nation’s No. 1-ranked running back in the 2021 recruiting class, hailing from Hopewell, Virginia. He immediately lived up to the hype, and over his four seasons (2021-2024) with the Buckeyes, he delivered a collegiate career that was nothing short of spectacular, etching his name into the Ohio State record books.
- Freshman Phenomenon (2021): Henderson burst onto the scene in 2021, rushing for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns, the second-most rushing yards by a freshman in Ohio State history. He set an Ohio State freshman record with 19 total touchdowns (15 rushing, 4 receiving) and famously broke Archie Griffin’s freshman single-game rushing record with 277 yards against Tulsa. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and was named a Freshman All-American by multiple outlets. His average of 6.8 yards per carry ranked second nationally.
- Battling Adversity (2022): His sophomore season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to eight games. Despite this, he still managed 571 rushing yards and six touchdowns, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten.
- Resurgent Junior Season (2023): Henderson bounced back strong in 2023, rushing for 926 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors by both coaches and media. He showcased his big-play ability with a crucial 61-yard touchdown run in the dramatic 17-14 win over Notre Dame.
- Championship Senior Campaign (2024): In his final season, Henderson embraced a shared backfield role with transfer Quinshon Judkins, and together they formed a dynamic duo. Henderson rushed for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging a career-best 7.1 yards per carry. He was named a 2024 team captain and was instrumental in leading the Buckeyes to the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. His performances in the playoff were particularly impactful, including a 66-yard rushing touchdown in the Rose Bowl against Oregon and a 75-yard screen pass touchdown in the CFP semifinals against Texas. He finished his career with 48 total touchdowns (42 rushing, 6 receiving), ranking third all-time at Ohio State, and 3,761 career rushing yards, placing him fourth on Ohio State’s all-time rushing list, behind only legends like Archie Griffin, J.K. Dobbins, and Ezekiel Elliott. He also boasted 4,614 career all-purpose yards, ranking third all-time.
The phrase “major coup” for Ohio State, in this context, refers to the incredible success story of recruiting TreVeyon Henderson, developing him into one of the nation’s premier running backs, and ultimately seeing him fulfill his NFL dreams as a Buckeye. In an era of rampant transfer portal activity and early NFL declarations, Henderson’s decision to play all four years of his eligibility at Ohio State, culminate his career with a national championship, and then be drafted directly from the program, is a profound testament to the Ohio State culture and its ability to foster sustained development.
- Proof of Concept: Henderson’s journey from a highly touted recruit to a consistent, elite performer and NFL draftee serves as irrefutable proof of Ohio State’s player development capabilities, particularly under Head Coach Ryan Day and his staff. This is invaluable for future recruiting cycles, as coaches can point directly to Henderson’s trajectory as a blueprint for success.
- Loyalty and Durability: In modern college football, retaining a five-star talent for four full seasons, especially at a physically demanding position like running back, is a rare feat. Henderson’s commitment to the program through injuries and coaching changes (the continuity of Ryan Day’s staff, of course) speaks volumes about his trust in the process and the support system at Ohio State.
- National Championship Contributions: Henderson’s role as a team captain and key offensive weapon in Ohio State’s 2025 National Championship run cements his legendary status. His big-play ability in crucial moments, particularly in the College Football Playoff, highlights his impact on the highest stage.
- Bridging Eras: Henderson was a star under Ryan Day as a freshman and continued to excel through the program’s evolution, including the addition of Quinshon Judkins. His ability to perform at a high level across different offensive compositions further showcases his versatility and resilience.
The heartfelt “welcome home, champ!” is not an invitation for him to return to play, but a timeless embrace from the Ohio State community. It’s a recognition that once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye, especially for players who poured their heart and soul into the program and achieved such remarkable success.
- Fan Affinity: TreVeyon Henderson captivated the Ohio State fanbase from his very first snap. His explosive runs, humble demeanor, and dedication to the team made him a beloved figure. His transition to the NFL is celebrated as a continuation of his journey, with fans ready to cheer him on at the next level, knowing he carries the Buckeye spirit with him.
- Recruiting Narrative: For Ryan Day and his staff, Henderson’s story is a powerful recruiting tool. They can show aspiring running backs that Ohio State offers a complete package: elite coaching, a proven path to the NFL, a chance to compete for national championships, and a supportive community that celebrates its legends. The successful pairing with Quinshon Judkins also demonstrates that Ohio State can utilize multiple elite backs effectively, appealing to talented players who might otherwise fear limited touches.
- A Symbol of Excellence: Henderson’s career symbolizes the standard of excellence that Ohio State strives for. His combination of five-star talent, consistent production, leadership, and a national championship rings truly defines what it means to be an elite Buckeye.
TreVeyon Henderson’s time at Ohio State was marked by electrifying plays, record-breaking performances, and ultimately, a national championship. His selection in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, celebrating his journey is a vital part of their narrative, proving that they are not only capable of “landing” the nation’s best talent but also developing them into professional stars and cherished legends. He will forever be “home” in the hearts of the Buckeye faithful.
