Ohio State Buckeyes RB TreVeyon Henderson To Play In Cotton Bowl Against Missouri

TreVeyon Henderson will suit up for the Buckeyes in Jerry World.

Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson isn't leaving Ohio State yet. 

The junior confirmed Wednesday that he will play in the Cotton Bowl Classic against No. 9 Missouri on Friday in Arlington. Henderson is still mulling over his options on returning to Columbus for the 2024 season heading into the season finale. 

“I’m not sure what I’ll be doing, but I’ve been praying on it," Henderson told reporters in Arlington. 

Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson breaks tackle against Rugters / © Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY

Henderson's presence provides stability on the ground and gives the offense a second wave to the game plan. The Buckeyes were limited at running back with Myian Williams declaring for the draft and Evan Pryor (Cincinnati) and Chip Trayanum (Kentucky) transferring.

Henderson's status now gives Ohio State two scholarship running backs available for the matchup against the Tigers (10-2). Dallan Hayden, who hoped to redshirt in 2023, is the other option should Henderson suffer an injury or be sidelined. 

While Henderson could return in hopes of securing a Big Ten title next fall, his draft status could have reached its peak. Considered a Day 2 pick, running backs often watch their draft tumble with age due to extensive rep counts in college.

“I feel like, just, as a team, yeah, we haven’t beat That Team Up North, we haven’t won a Big Ten championship, haven’t won a natty,” Henderson said. “But when I leave here, that’s not the thing I’ll remember, even if we did win nattys every year and we beat the Team Up North every year and we won the Big Ten every year. Whenever I leave here – whenever that time may be – the thing I’m going to remember the most is how God has grown throughout this team. That’s the No. 1 thing that I will remember most.”

In nine games, Henderson rushed for 854 yards and 11 touchdowns on 137 carries. He also totaled 229 yards on 19 catches, averaging 12.1 yards per catch. 

Ohio State vs. Missouri Keys to the Game for 2023 Cotton Bowl

Henderson joins Denzel Burke as the players who have confirmed to be playing Friday night at AT&T Stadium. Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. did not participate in practice Tuesday and could opt out. 

Tight end Cade Stover, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive linemen J.T. Tuimoloau and Mike Hall Jr. are all expected to play after participating in practice.