As the NFL Draft approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes are once again making headlines for producing top-tier talent ready to make an impact in the professional ranks. Among the standouts this year are two running backs whose remarkable combination of speed, power, and versatility has captured the attention of scouts, coaches, and analysts alike. With their performances throughout the college football season, these two players have solidified themselves as some of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 draft class.
The Buckeyes’ running back tandem of Javon Matthews and Tyler Brooks has been a revelation this past season. Both athletes have distinct qualities that complement each other perfectly on the field, making them an unstoppable force for Ohio State. While Matthews is known for his incredible vision and elusive running style, Brooks is a more physical presence, capable of grinding out tough yards while still possessing explosive speed. Together, they form one of the most dangerous backfield combinations in recent memory, and NFL teams are now eagerly analyzing their potential.
This dynamic duo is not just making waves because of their individual talent, but because of how they’ve pushed each other to elevate their games. Both running backs have played pivotal roles in Ohio State’s success this season, helping the team to a strong finish and further cementing the school’s reputation as a breeding ground for NFL-caliber talent.
The Rise of Javon Matthews: A Dual-Threat Sensation
Javon Matthews’ journey to Ohio State was one of patience, perseverance, and consistent hard work. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound back from Cleveland, Ohio, was always a standout at the high school level, known for his combination of power and agility. Despite being highly recruited, Matthews was not an immediate star upon arrival at Ohio State. Instead, he worked his way up the depth chart, earning his starting role through dedication and relentless pursuit of perfection. This season, Matthews became a centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ offense and quickly established himself as one of the most versatile running backs in college football.
Matthews has a unique blend of speed and power. His ability to slice through defenses with sudden bursts of acceleration, coupled with his knack for shedding tacklers with well-timed stiff arms or elusive cuts, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. What sets Matthews apart from most running backs is his vision. He can quickly read defensive schemes and make split-second decisions to cut or bounce plays outside when necessary, ensuring positive yardage every time he touches the ball.
Not only is Matthews effective on the ground, but he also has excellent hands out of the backfield. As a receiver, he showcases a unique blend of quickness and strength, able to take a screen pass and turn it into a big play. His ability to catch the ball in traffic and break tackles in the open field has made him an invaluable asset to Ohio State’s high-powered offense, which frequently uses him in various formations and situations.
“I’ve worked on being a complete back,” Matthews said during a recent interview. “It’s not enough just to be able to run the ball effectively anymore. You need to be able to catch passes, block in the backfield, and contribute in every phase of the game. That’s something I take pride in.”
In his final season with the Buckeyes, Matthews’ statistics were off the charts. Rushing for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns, along with 400 receiving yards and another three touchdowns through the air, Matthews demonstrated his all-around game. His ability to dominate both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield was key to Ohio State’s success this season.
As a result, Matthews has drawn attention from NFL scouts looking for a player who can contribute immediately in both the running and passing games. His size and ability to absorb contact, combined with his sudden burst of speed, make him an intriguing option for teams looking to add a versatile weapon to their backfield. Matthews’ performances in Ohio State’s biggest games, including his dazzling performance against Michigan, have only enhanced his draft stock.
Tyler Brooks: The Powerhouse Who Can Do It All
While Matthews has garnered most of the attention, Tyler Brooks has quietly been a dominant force in the Ohio State backfield, and his physicality and consistency have made him just as valuable to the team’s success. Brooks, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound bruiser from Indianapolis, Indiana, is the perfect complement to Matthews’ dynamic style. A true power back, Brooks excels at pounding the ball between the tackles, wearing down defenses with his relentless running style. He’s not only a downhill runner, but his explosiveness and ability to break long runs once he hits the second level is what sets him apart.
Brooks’ ability to run with power is evident when watching him take on defenders head-on. He’s an ideal short-yardage and goal-line back due to his size and strength. When Brooks gets a full head of steam, it’s difficult for defenders to bring him down with arm tackles. His low center of gravity and powerful legs allow him to churn out tough yards even when it seems like there’s no space.
But Brooks is more than just a traditional power back. Despite his large frame, he possesses surprising speed, making him a threat to take it to the house whenever he gets loose. His 4.5-second 40-yard dash time has shocked many of his critics, who initially thought he would be a one-dimensional back. Instead, Brooks has shown that he can make defenders miss and break free on long runs, as seen in several of his highlight-reel runs this season.
Equally impressive is Brooks’ willingness to block in the passing game. As a protector for Ohio State’s quarterbacks, Brooks has displayed a knack for reading blitzes and stepping up to pick up the blitz, providing excellent protection and ensuring his quarterback has time to make throws. His ability to do the dirty work in the trenches is one of the many reasons he is regarded as one of the most well-rounded running backs in the draft class.
Brooks finished his final season with Ohio State with nearly 1,200 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged over 5.0 yards per carry and was also a key contributor in short-yardage situations and goal-line scenarios, earning a reputation as a reliable and consistent force for the Buckeyes.
“I’ve always prided myself on being a complete back,” said Brooks in a press conference. “It’s about being able to run with power and vision, catch passes, and do whatever it takes to help my team win.”
As a result, NFL teams see Brooks as a potential workhorse who could dominate between the tackles in both first and second-down situations while also being capable of contributing in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His combination of size, speed, and physicality has earned him a spot on the radar of several NFL scouts.
The Dynamic Duo: A Nightmare for Defenses
What makes Matthews and Brooks so special isn’t just their individual skill sets; it’s how they complement each other. Ohio State’s offense thrives on variety, and having two running backs with different strengths allows the Buckeyes to attack defenses in multiple ways. Matthews, with his agility and receiving ability, opens up the offense, while Brooks, with his brute strength and power, finishes drives and moves the chains when Ohio State needs it most.
Together, they form a balanced and dynamic backfield that has been difficult for opposing defenses to contain. They can attack the edges with Matthews or use Brooks to grind out the tough yards in the middle. This unpredictability forces defenses to adjust on the fly, making Ohio State’s offense one of the most dangerous in college football.
Ohio State has done an excellent job of rotating the two backs, ensuring that each is fresh and ready to contribute when called upon. This strategic use of both Matthews and Brooks has kept opposing defenses on their heels and allowed the Buckeyes to dominate possession throughout the season.
NFL teams have taken notice of this dual-threat backfield. Both running backs have displayed the ability to play in all situations — whether it’s running the ball between the tackles, catching passes, or picking up blitzes. Their complementary skill sets make them ideal candidates for teams looking to upgrade their backfield, and both players’ versatility ensures they can contribute in a variety of roles at the next level.
The Future for Matthews and Brooks
As the NFL Draft nears, both Matthews and Brooks are expected to be taken in the early rounds. Matthews’ versatility as a dual-threat back with excellent vision and receiving skills has caught the eye of many teams seeking a player who can contribute immediately in a variety of ways. Brooks, on the other hand, is likely to be a top pick for teams looking for a power back who can handle a significant workload and provide a reliable presence in short-yardage situations.
While their futures in the NFL are still to be determined, there’s no denying the impact both players have had on Ohio State’s football program and the NFL draft landscape. The Buckeyes have once again proven that they are a talent factory capable of producing elite running back talent, and both Matthews and Brooks have solidified themselves as future stars at the next level.
As these two remarkable players prepare to take the next step in their careers, one thing is clear: the Ohio State running back tradition is in good hands, and the NFL will be seeing plenty more of Matthews and Brooks in the years to come.