Legend Bey’s first few months at Ohio State have already included plenty of highs and lows. The four-star freshman arrived in Columbus with considerable expectations after a remarkable high school career in Texas. But his transition to college football got off to a rocky start when a hamstring injury kept him out of Ohio State’s spring game. Then came another setback during preseason camp when Bey was suspended from the opening practices for a violation of team rules.
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Now, with Ohio State preparing to open the 2026 season against Ball State, Bey has worked his way back into the Buckeyes’ plans.
According to head coach Ryan Day, the most important part of Bey’s comeback has been how he responded to the setback.
“When there are events, and you know there was an event that happened, and you know he certainly controlled at that point the response, and the response since then has been much better,” Day said earlier today.
Ohio State announced at the beginning of fall camp that Bey would miss the first couple of practices because of the violation. Day described the situation as a learning experience, and the freshman returned to the practice field during the third practice of camp.
That return was particularly important for Bey, who is still learning a new position.
At North Forney High School in Forney, Texas, Bey established himself as one of the state’s most dynamic offensive players while primarily playing quarterback. As a junior, he rushed for 1,912 yards and 28 touchdowns. He finished his high school career with more than 4,000 rushing yards, 3,500 passing yards, and 94 total touchdowns.
He also showcased elite speed on the track, running a 10.23-second 100-meter dash as a Texas 6A regional qualifier.
Ohio State, however, is asking him to translate those physical gifts into the running back position.
“Just because he was a quarterback before, and there’s a lot of things that come with playing running back that are a lot different than certainly being a quarterback,” Day said. “So he’s had to learn those things.”
Despite the learning curve, the Buckeyes have never questioned Bey’s physical ability.
Day has been one of his biggest supporters since his arrival and previously compared Bey’s explosiveness and ability to make defenders miss to NFL star Tyreek Hill.
“He’s worked and he’s had a good attitude when he’s been out there,” Day said. “It’s not all been perfect, but I also think that we see the explosiveness when the ball’s in his hands.”
That explosiveness could make Bey an intriguing piece of Ohio State’s offense in 2026. However, he is entering a crowded backfield. Sophomore Bo Jackson returns after a 1,000-yard freshman season, while Isaiah West and transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson also provide experienced options.
Bey will have to earn his opportunities. And Day believes that process starts with trust.
“You have to earn, you have to build trust through time,” Day said. “And he’s built enough trust that we feel comfortable with him being back there.”
Ball security will be especially important. Day, running backs coach Carlos Locklyn and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have emphasized that Bey’s explosive ability cannot come at the expense of protecting the football.
“When the ball’s in your hands, you literally have the hopes and dreams of the entire Buckeye Nation in your hands,” Day said. “It’s a big responsibility.”
So far, Bey appears to have embraced that responsibility.
The early suspension cost him valuable practice time, but Day’s latest comments suggest the freshman has responded the way Ohio State wanted: by accepting the consequences, improving his habits and rebuilding trust.
“He’s embraced that, and he knows how serious it is,” Day said. “At least, you know, that’s what he’s shown, and that’s what we’re going to go off of.”
Ohio State recruited him as one of the top athletes in the 2026 class and envisioned him potentially contributing at running back, receiver, and in the return game.
Day has already confirmed that Bey will return kicks in the season opener against Ball State, allowing him to make an immediate impact on special teams and hopefully get on the good side of the Buckeyes’ coaches.