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Ohio State Buckeyes coach is set to go to trial against Big Ten rival following judge denying request for dismissal of lawsuit

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 10:38 PM ET

When the Ohio State Buckeyes lost their previous running backs coach to the Michigan Wolverines, Ryan Day made a strong hire from the Oregon Ducks that has already shown great promise: Carlos Locklyn.

Locklyn served as Oregon’s running backs coach for two seasons (2022 and 2023) before joining Ohio State. Following his departure, Oregon filed a lawsuit against Locklyn, alleging a breach of contract and nonpayment of a buyout.

According to The Oregonian, Locklyn’s request to dismiss the lawsuit was denied by Lane County Circuit Court Judge Michelle Bassi. The case is now heading to trial, though a date has not yet been scheduled.

Former UO assistant Locklyn denied dismissal of lawsuit over buyout, trial to be set https://t.co/C1SLkHdckR
— The Oregonian (@Oregonian) July 18, 2025

At the heart of the lawsuit is a $400,000 buyout clause that Locklyn was expected to pay upon leaving Oregon for Ohio State. His contract with Ohio State reportedly included a provision to cover the Oregon buyout. Locklyn sent a $200,000 check to Oregon, but the university returned it, deeming the amount insufficient.

Oregon is now seeking the full $400,000 and 9% interest on top of it. Locklyn attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed, calling the clause “inaccurate, invalid, and unenforceable,” according to The Oregonian, but the court rejected that effort.

Ohio State is not scheduled to face Oregon this season after playing them twice last year, including a decisive Buckeyes win in the College Football Playoff. However, off the field, one Ohio State assistant is now preparing to face his former employer in court.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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