Considering Jordon Davison resides in California and attends a high school notorious for being a pipeline to USC, you wouldn’t think the top-rated running back in the 2025 class would have grown up an Ohio State fan.
Yet, the four-star Mater Dei product insists he did.
“I was actually an Ohio State fan growing up,” Davison said in June after attending an OSU recruiting camp. “So I always knew about the big tradition of the running backs at OSU. I know a lot about (OSU running back) coach Tony Alford, he’s been here for nine years and with all the backs he’s developed, it shows.”
Long before Davison was ranked the 33rd overall prospect and the top-ranked running back by 247Sports’ composite rankings, the 5-foot-11, 210-pound tailback remembers having fond memories of watching OSU and being mesmerized by the helmets.
“My first time watching a college football game it was an Ohio State game,” Davison said. “The stickers on the helmet really stuck out to me. I think they were playing Michigan or Michigan State.”
His words of affection toward the Buckeyes weren’t just for show, either. As if it were pure instinct, Davison immediately rattled off names of OSU running backs he’s admired over the years, starting with three tailbacks currently on the Buckeyes’ roster.
“There’s a lot of current guys I look up to,” Davison said. “Miyan Williams, Treveyon Henderson, Evan Pryor when he’s healthy. Some guys from the past, Eddie George, Ezekiel Elliott, Archie Griffin, there’s a great history with backs here. I love the work ethic (of the three current OSU backs). Coach Alford talks to me about them all the time. They’re not regular guys, they love to compete. That’s why I’m big on Ohio State so much, coach Ryan Day is big on competing.”
Davison earned his offer from Alford and Ohio State on April 22, 2022, and has since visited Columbus multiple times. His most recent visit came in June on a multi-day trip, where Davison toured the campus with his entire family in attendance and also worked out at OSU’s recruiting camp so he’d have the opportunity to learn from Alford.
Five-star 2025 RB Jordon Davison working out at OSU camp today as part of a multi-day visit to Columbus.
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) June 12, 2023
One of the best running backs in the 2025 class. pic.twitter.com/7UnC6FnQbE
“I had a great time,” Davison said. “Getting to feel (coach Alford) out and seeing how he coaches, he pushed me today. That’s big up for Ohio State. I want a coach that can push me and that will push me to be the greatest I can be.
“My family likes (OSU) and have gotten to see a little bit of Columbus. It’s a big thing that they’re here with me. I feel like (OSU) has been treating me well and they’ve been showing a lot of love. You never know what’s going to happen next.”
Davison said he hears from Alford weekly and has developed a strong rapport with the longtime OSU running back coach.
“We have a great relationship,” he said. “He likes my patience, he likes the way I treat the game and the way I learn and view things. Some areas I can improve on, I can really improve in lots of aspects.”
Early in Davison’s recruitment process, the Buckeyes have emerged as a strong contender for the standout running back.
“They’re up there,” Davison said of where OSU ranks in his recruitment. “Very high. The brotherhood and the culture (stand out the most). Coming here and learning all their traditions, they’ve got a good thing going with Cali (prospects) right now.”
