Ohio State’s Carlos Locklyn Turns Down $2 Million Penn State Offer to Stay Loyal to Buckeye Brotherhood and Culture

In a stunning show of loyalty that has rocked the college football coaching world, Ohio State running backs coach Carlos Locklyn has reportedly turned down a massive $2 million offer from Big Ten rival Penn State to remain in Columbus. The offer—which would have made him one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the country—wasn’t enough to pull Locklyn away from what he calls a “mission” with the Buckeyes.

Locklyn, a rapidly rising star in the coaching ranks, had every reason to entertain the offer. Penn State, a perennial power in the conference, was aggressively pursuing a new identity on offense and sought Locklyn as a centerpiece of that evolution. But the highly respected coach made it clear that no amount of money could buy what he values most: the culture, the brotherhood, and the opportunity to compete for national championships at Ohio State.

In a statement released by Buckeyes Athletics, Locklyn didn’t mince words.

“The Buckeyes isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. The culture we’ve built here, the people, the players—this is where I want to be. The rivalry means everything, and I’d rather be on the right side of it.”

That statement, though brief, sent shockwaves through not just the Big Ten but the broader college football landscape. In an era where coaching moves are frequently driven by massive paydays, Locklyn’s decision to stay put was a rare display of old-school loyalty—something that instantly endeared him to Buckeye fans and reinforced his position as a beloved figure within the program.

The impact of Locklyn’s return can’t be overstated. Since joining the Ohio State staff, Locklyn has developed a reputation as a dynamic recruiter and mentor. His running back room has flourished under his guidance, combining toughness with versatility. Whether it’s developing high-ceiling prospects or maximizing the impact of established stars, Locklyn’s fingerprints are all over Ohio State’s recent success on the ground.

Moreover, Locklyn has been instrumental in helping the Buckeyes secure commitments from elite recruits. His ability to build relationships, backed by a genuine passion for player development, is second to none. Several blue-chip running backs in the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes had reportedly reached out directly to Locklyn after the rumors of his potential departure began swirling. That’s how much of a draw he is in the eyes of top-tier talent.

When news broke of the offer from Penn State, Buckeye Nation held its collective breath. Though many understood the magnitude of the offer and the prestige of the job, they also hoped—perhaps naively—that Locklyn would stay. Now, with his decision made and public, it feels like a major win not just for the program but for the values that many fans believe college football should stand for.

Social media lit up in the hours following the announcement. Former players, current recruits, and fans alike all showered Locklyn with praise. “A real one,” one former Buckeye star tweeted. “Coach Locklyn is built different.” Others called him the “heart and soul” of the program.

Even Ohio State head coach Ryan Day couldn’t hold back his admiration.

“Carlos Locklyn is everything we want in a coach, a leader, and a person,” Day said in a statement. “He brings out the best in our players every day and leads with passion, integrity, and love for Ohio State. His decision to stay shows what this place means to him—and to all of us.”

Sources close to the program revealed that Locklyn was offered a significant raise to remain in Columbus, though it likely pales in comparison to what Penn State put on the table. But it was never really about the money for Locklyn. It was about legacy, loyalty, and his deep-rooted belief in what the Buckeyes stand for.

For Locklyn, who grew up in Memphis and came up the hard way through the junior college ranks before breaking into the Power Five scene, this isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. He’s often spoken publicly about the importance of being a role model, not just to his players but to aspiring coaches and kids from under-resourced backgrounds who look up to him. Staying at Ohio State allows him to continue living out that mission at the highest level.

There’s also the matter of The Rivalry. In Locklyn’s words, “The rivalry means everything.” Turning down Penn State—Ohio State’s bitter adversary on the recruiting trail and annual Big Ten battlefield—adds an exclamation point to his statement of intent. He doesn’t just want to win. He wants to win with the Buckeyes—and against those who try to tear down what they’re building.

As for Penn State, they’ll have to look elsewhere. The Nittany Lions had targeted Locklyn for both his on-field expertise and his recruiting savvy, but insiders say they were “blindsided” by how quickly and firmly he declined the offer. One Penn State source reportedly said, “We knew it would be tough to pull him, but we thought we had a shot. Turns out he’s all Buckeye.”

For Ohio State, this is more than just retaining a coach. It’s a cultural win. It’s a validation of the values that the program is built on: toughness, brotherhood, and loyalty. It sends a strong message to current players, recruits, and coaches around the country that the Buckeyes aren’t just assembling talent—they’re building something deeper.

Locklyn’s choice to stay could also have ripple effects across the college football landscape. As more programs chase high-profile assistants with lucrative offers, Locklyn has now become the poster child for staying true to a greater purpose. His decision might not spark a wave of similar moves—but it will certainly be remembered.

In the age of the transfer portal, NIL deals, and ever-increasing coaching salaries, Carlos Locklyn’s decision to reject a $2 million payday to stay with the Buckeyes is as rare as it is powerful. It speaks to something deeper than contracts and logos. It speaks to identity, heart, and the unshakable bond between a coach and a program that has become home.

As the 2025 season approaches, Buckeyes fans will look to the sidelines with even more pride knowing that one of their most important coaches chose them—chose this—over everything else. And for Carlos Locklyn, that choice speaks volumes.