Elite 2028 Running Back Elijah Newman-Hall Commits to Ohio State, Boosting Buckeyes’ Future Backfield With Star Power

Ohio State has once again proven its dominance on the national recruiting trail by securing a verbal commitment from 2028 standout running back Elijah Newman-Hall. Though just a high school underclassman, the California native is already turning heads across the country, and his decision to join the Buckeyes speaks volumes about both his future potential and Ohio State’s continued influence in shaping elite talent. With this commitment, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have taken a massive early step toward building what could be one of the most exciting backfields of the late 2020s.

Newman-Hall, who plays for a powerhouse program on the West Coast, has been in the national spotlight since middle school. Despite being years away from suiting up on Saturdays in Columbus, he carries the physical traits and football IQ of someone well beyond his years. Listed at 5-foot-11 and already tipping the scales at 190 pounds, he combines vision, agility, and breakaway speed in ways that evoke comparisons to Buckeye greats of the past. His burst through the hole is uncanny, and his balance through contact often leaves defenders grasping at air. There’s no doubt that he’s one of the most advanced and polished tailbacks in the nation for his class.

The Buckeyes were among a flurry of early Power Five offers Newman-Hall received in his freshman year, alongside interest from Alabama, Georgia, USC, and Oregon. While most freshmen are still finding their footing at the high school level, Newman-Hall was already flashing five-star traits and had earned a reputation as a workhorse back with home-run capability. His sophomore campaign, which is still underway, has only cemented those beliefs.

Ohio State’s success in landing the California prodigy can be attributed to several factors. Running backs coach Tony Alford, who has been the architect behind developing stars like Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins, made Newman-Hall a top priority the moment they were allowed to reach out. The relationship built between Alford and the Newman-Hall family quickly became one of the foundational pillars in his recruitment. According to sources close to the situation, Newman-Hall was impressed not just by Alford’s track record but also by his personal investment in developing players as men off the field.

Additionally, the Ohio State culture played a massive role. During his recent unofficial visit to Columbus, Newman-Hall took in everything from the state-of-the-art facilities to the electric game-day atmosphere at Ohio Stadium. He watched the Buckeyes dismantle a conference rival with surgical precision, saw how players are treated like family, and experienced the deep-rooted brotherhood that has long defined Ohio State’s locker room. The impression was immediate and lasting.

Newman-Hall’s commitment is monumental because it gives Ohio State a potential Heisman contender in the making before most programs have even begun evaluating the 2028 class. Though national signing day is still far in the distance, early verbal commitments like his help create momentum on the recruiting trail. Elite players tend to follow other elite players, and the Buckeyes just became a magnet for other top-tier prospects in the class.

The commitment also sends a strong signal to the rest of the country—especially West Coast programs like USC and Oregon—that Ohio State is not backing down from recruiting nationally. For a California product to commit this early and this confidently to a Midwest powerhouse shows just how much weight the Ohio State brand continues to carry. In the NIL era, where flash and local ties sometimes win out over tradition, Newman-Hall’s decision feels like a throwback to when players chose schools based on development, legacy, and football excellence.

Those around the program are buzzing about the future of Ohio State’s offense, particularly the backfield. With a string of elite running backs already on the roster and more likely to come in the years before Newman-Hall enrolls, the competition will be fierce. But sources say he welcomes that challenge. Known as a relentless competitor, Newman-Hall has never shied away from a loaded depth chart. Instead, he embraces the grind and has reportedly told confidants that he plans to “come in, earn it, and show I belong.” That type of mindset only reinforces the belief that Ohio State didn’t just land a great athlete—they landed the right kind of person, too.

While caution always accompanies early commitments—recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint—Ohio State fans have plenty of reason to be optimistic. Newman-Hall’s commitment is not just a headline grabber; it’s a potential program-altering decision that adds fuel to the Buckeyes’ long-term plans. His skillset fits perfectly with the kind of offense Ryan Day wants to run: explosive, balanced, and capable of striking from anywhere on the field.

Additionally, his versatility adds another layer to the Buckeyes’ offensive potential. Newman-Hall is more than just a downhill runner. He can catch passes out of the backfield, block in pass protection, and even line up in the slot to create mismatches against linebackers. That type of multifaceted weapon gives coordinators endless options and forces defenses to account for him on every play.

High school coaches and analysts have raved about his intangibles, including his leadership and poise. Even as one of the youngest players on his varsity squad, Newman-Hall has been described as a vocal leader who lets his work do the talking. He’s regularly seen staying after practice to get in extra reps, and his film study habits reportedly mirror those of a collegiate player. That kind of dedication is rare in a freshman and bodes well for his transition to the next level.

It’s also worth noting the impact this commitment may have beyond the gridiron. Ohio State has long used elite recruits as ambassadors, and Newman-Hall’s early pledge gives the program a dynamic figurehead for the 2028 cycle. Whether it’s helping to recruit other offensive skill players or serving as a leader at future camps and events, his influence will stretch far beyond just his on-field production.

From a fan perspective, the buzz is palpable. Social media lit up with reactions from Buckeye Nation, including alumni, current players, and even former greats praising the pickup. For a fan base that prides itself on excellence and tradition, seeing a player of Newman-Hall’s caliber choose Columbus over countless suitors feels like a validation of everything the program continues to build under Day’s leadership.

There’s also a symbolic element to the commitment. As college football continues to evolve with NIL, the transfer portal, and shifting playoff structures, landing foundational high school recruits who are fully bought in becomes even more critical. Newman-Hall represents that kind of foundational piece—an athlete who understands the legacy, embraces the challenge, and wants to leave his own mark.

In the years ahead, plenty will change. Rankings will shift, offers will pour in, and twists will unfold across recruiting boards nationwide. But for now, one thing is certain: Ohio State has landed a gem. Elijah Newman-Hall is not just a name to remember for the future—he’s the future, and it’s looking very bright in Columbus.