BREAKING: No. 2 All-Purpose Back in 2026 Class, Anthony Rogers, Commits to Ohio State Over Georgia

The Ohio State Buckeyes continue to solidify their dominance in recruiting, securing a massive commitment from Anthony Rogers, the No. 2 all-purpose back in the class of 2026. Rogers, a highly coveted prospect, chose Ohio State over powerhouse programs like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU, citing the Buckeyes as the best place for him to develop as both an athlete and a person.

“Ohio State is the best place for me to develop as an athlete and a man,” Rogers stated in his commitment announcement.

This commitment represents a significant victory for Ryan Day and running backs coach Tony Alford, who have consistently recruited top-tier talent to Columbus. With Rogers now in the fold, the Buckeyes add an elite playmaker who will provide versatility, explosiveness, and dynamic ability to their future backfield.

Anthony Rogers is a 5-foot-9, 180-pound all-purpose back from Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama. Regarded as one of the most explosive and dynamic offensive weapons in his class, Rogers has drawn comparisons to elite dual-threat running backs who can impact the game both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield.

One of Rogers’ biggest strengths is his elite speed. A former track star, he has been clocked running a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest prospects in the 2026 class. His breakaway speed allows him to turn short gains into massive plays, and his ability to accelerate and change direction effortlessly makes him a nightmare for defenders in open space.

Unlike traditional running backs, Rogers is a true all-purpose playmaker. He can line up in the backfield, run between the tackles, bounce outside, and even split out as a slot receiver. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways fits perfectly with Ohio State’s modern offensive scheme, which emphasizes versatility and explosive plays.

During his sophomore season, Rogers put up eye-popping numbers, rushing for over 1,600 yards and adding several hundred receiving yards. His ability to produce against top competition in Alabama’s high school football scene has made him a must-watch prospect and one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2026 class

The battle for Anthony Rogers was one of the most competitive recruiting fights in the country. Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Texas all pursued him aggressively, hoping to land one of the top skill-position players in the nation. However, Rogers ultimately decided that Ohio State was the best fit for him.

One of the biggest factors in Rogers’ decision was Ohio State’s track record of developing elite talent and sending players to the NFL. Under Ryan Day and Tony Alford, the Buckeyes have produced several high-level running backs, including:

• J.K. Dobbins (Baltimore Ravens)
• Trey Sermon (Philadelphia Eagles)
• Ezekiel Elliott (New England Patriots)
• Miyan Williams (NFL Draft prospect)
• TreVeyon Henderson (Current OSU star, potential 1st-round pick in 2025 NFL Draft)

Seeing the success of these backs in Ohio State’s system made a strong impression on Rogers, who envisions himself following in their footsteps and becoming the next great Buckeye running back.

Ohio State’s offense is built around explosiveness and versatility, making it a perfect match for a player like Rogers. The Buckeyes have a pass-heavy attack, but they also prioritize using running backs in creative ways, whether that’s in screen plays, motion plays, or lining up in the slot.

Rogers will thrive in this type of system, where he can use his speed and agility to create mismatches against slower defenders. He’ll have opportunities to contribute as a runner, receiver, and returner, making him one of the most dangerous weapons in Ohio State’s future offense.

Another key factor was the strong bond he built with Ohio State’s coaching staff, particularly Tony Alford. The Buckeyes’ running backs coach has a strong reputation for connecting with his players and developing them both on and off the field.

Rogers has also built relationships with current Ohio State running backs and commits, further reinforcing his decision. Being part of a program with a strong team culture, work ethic, and championship aspirations played a major role in his commitment.

Landing Anthony Rogers is a huge momentum boost for Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class. The Buckeyes are assembling another top-tier group of talent, and Rogers becomes one of their headliners.

With his commitment, Ohio State now has:
✅ A top-5 running back in the country
✅ A future offensive playmaker with elite speed
✅ An edge over SEC schools in a key recruiting battle

This also sends a message to other elite recruits that Ohio State is the place to be, especially for skill-position players looking to develop for the NFL and compete for national championships.

By the time Rogers arrives in Columbus in 2026, Ohio State’s backfield will likely look very different. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins will likely be in the NFL, meaning the Buckeyes will need a new star running back to emerge.

Rogers will likely compete for playing time immediately, battling with other top recruits and current players on the roster. Given his explosiveness and versatility, he has a strong chance to earn early playing time, particularly in passing-down situations and special teams.

As he develops, he has the potential to become Ohio State’s next superstar running back, following in the footsteps of legends like Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins, and TreVeyon Henderson.

Anthony Rogers’ commitment to Ohio State is a game-changing addition for the Buckeyes. Not only do they secure one of the best playmakers in the 2026 class, but they also beat out SEC powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama for his commitment.

With elite speed, versatility, and dynamic playmaking ability, Rogers has the potential to be a future star in Columbus. His decision further cements Ohio State’s reputation as one of the best programs in the country for developing offensive talent.

As Buckeye Nation celebrates this huge recruiting victory, one thing is clear: Ohio State’s future backfield just got a whole lot faster and more explosive.