BREAKING NEWS: 3-Star Former West Virginia Running Back CJ Donaldson Jr. Flips Commitment to Ohio State: Fans Perfect Gift For Christmas
December 23, 2024 – Columbus, OH
In a stunning turn of events just days before Christmas, 3-star running back CJ Donaldson Jr. has announced he will be flipping his commitment from West Virginia to Ohio State. This shocking decision has sent waves through the college football world, with Buckeye fans celebrating what many are calling the perfect Christmas gift. Donaldson, who had initially committed to the Mountaineers earlier this year, now joins one of college football’s premier programs, giving Ohio State one of its most highly anticipated recruits for the 2025 class.
The decision, which broke late on the evening of December 22, took fans and analysts by surprise. Donaldson, a native of Bradenton, Florida, had been a key piece of West Virginia’s recruiting strategy, with many projecting him to be a cornerstone of their future offense. However, sources close to Donaldson have indicated that Ohio State’s late recruitment efforts and a compelling offer from the Buckeyes ultimately swayed the young running back’s decision.
In a statement released via social media, Donaldson expressed his gratitude to West Virginia and its fans for their support but emphasized the opportunity to play at Ohio State was simply too great to pass up.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the coaches, players, and fans at West Virginia for all of the love and support I’ve received during my recruitment process,” Donaldson wrote. “After careful consideration and reflection, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to Ohio State. I’m excited for the chance to compete at the highest level and help bring championships back to Columbus. This is an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up, and I’m ready for the next chapter of my journey.”
Ohio State fans, who have been anxiously awaiting news of a new playmaker for their offense, were quick to react with excitement. Social media platforms lit up with congratulatory messages and cheers for the Buckeyes’ latest acquisition. Donaldson, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound powerhouse, is widely regarded as one of the top running backs in the 2025 recruiting class. His combination of size, speed, and vision makes him an ideal fit for Ohio State’s high-powered offense, which has been known for producing elite running backs in recent years.
Donaldson’s commitment comes at a crucial time for Ohio State, who is coming off a successful 2024 season but has faced increased competition from other top programs vying for the nation’s best talent. The Buckeyes, fresh off an appearance in the College Football Playoff, have long been considered one of the nation’s elite recruiting powers. With Donaldson now in the fold, Ohio State solidifies its future backfield and strengthens its already formidable roster.
For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, Donaldson’s commitment is seen as a major win in the battle for recruiting supremacy. “CJ is a special talent, and we’re thrilled to have him join the Buckeye family,” Day said in a statement. “He has all the attributes we look for in a running back, and we’re excited to get him on campus and start developing him into a key contributor for our team.”
Meanwhile, West Virginia fans have expressed their disappointment, with many taking to social media to voice their frustration over the loss. However, the Mountaineers remain hopeful that they can rebound and continue to build a strong recruiting class heading into 2025.
For now, though, all eyes are on Columbus as Ohio State celebrates what might be the best early Christmas present the team could have hoped for—an elite running back who has the potential to become a star in the Big Ten and beyond. The Buckeyes’ offense just got a lot more dangerous, and with Donaldson leading the charge, Ohio State fans are already dreaming of future championship glory.
