5 Things You Need To Know About TC Caffey’s High-Stakes Transfer To Youngstown State For 2025

Contents
The highly anticipated return of local football star TC Caffey to the Mahoning Valley is officially underway, as the running back prepares to join the Youngstown State Penguins for the 2025 season. This move, confirmed in late April, marks a crucial turning point in Caffey's collegiate career, providing a fresh start after an injury-plagued tenure with the Ohio State Buckeyes. As of today, December 19, 2025, anticipation is building for his debut, with fans eager to see the Hubbard High School standout finally unleash his potential on the field for the YSU Penguins in the rigorous Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). Caffey’s journey is one of immense talent, frustrating setbacks, and unwavering determination. His transfer via the NCAA's transfer portal is arguably one of the most significant recent additions to the Youngstown State roster, promising to inject much-needed depth and explosive power into the Penguins' backfield, especially as the team looks to climb the MVFC standings. The story is not just about a transfer; it is about a local hero coming home to restart a promising football career.

TC Caffey: The Local Star's Biography and Profile

TC Caffey, whose full name is Timothy Caffey, has been a prominent name in Ohio high school football for years. His biographical details paint the picture of a powerful, local athlete ready to make a major impact at the collegiate level.

  • Full Name: Timothy "TC" Caffey
  • Position: Running Back (RB)
  • Height: 5' 10"
  • Weight: 215–218 lbs
  • Hometown: Hubbard, Ohio
  • High School: Hubbard High School (Graduated 2022)
  • Previous College: Ohio State University (2022–2024)
  • Current College: Youngstown State University (YSU)
  • Conference: Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)
  • Key High School Achievement: First-team All-Ohio (Division III), Trumbull County Player of the Year.

1. The Unforgettable High School Dominance at Hubbard

Caffey’s reputation was forged in the Mahoning Valley, where he was a dominant force for the Hubbard Eagles. His high school career statistics are legendary, solidifying his status as one of the most productive running backs in the state’s history.

During his senior season in 2021, Caffey had a phenomenal year that put him in the Ohio high school record books. He amassed an astounding 2,638 rushing yards, a figure that ranks him 27th all-time in Ohio high school football history. He also exploded for 37 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his elite ability to find the end zone.

By the time he graduated in 2022, Caffey had accumulated a staggering 4,659 career rushing yards. This exceptional performance earned him prestigious accolades, including Trumbull County Player of the Year and first-team All-Ohio honors in Division III. Despite this success, he chose to walk on at the powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes program, a move that demonstrated his confidence and willingness to compete against the nation's elite.

2. The Brutal Injury History That Derailed His Ohio State Tenure

Caffey’s time in Columbus with the Ohio State Buckeyes was unfortunately defined by a relentless series of knee injuries. While he was a member of the program for three years (2022–2024), his ability to contribute was severely limited.

His injury woes began early in his career. He suffered a significant knee injury, reported to be a torn ACL, during his first year in 2022. This devastating setback effectively sidelined him for the entire 2023 season, preventing him from seeing any action.

Hopes for a healthy return were dashed when he suffered another season-ending knee injury in 2024. This string of bad luck ultimately led to him entering the transfer portal in late April, seeking a program where he could finally get a fresh, healthy start. Despite the injuries, Caffey did manage to record 66 rushing yards and one touchdown on 10 carries during his limited time with the Buckeyes.

3. The Significance of the Transfer Portal Move to YSU

The decision to transfer to Youngstown State is a major opportunity for both Caffey and the YSU Penguins football program. For Caffey, the move represents a chance to return to his local roots, play close to home, and, most importantly, compete for a starting or high-volume role in the running back rotation.

The transfer portal exit from a major FBS program like Ohio State to an FCS school like YSU is often a sign of an athlete prioritizing playing time and a fresh slate over the prestige of a Power Five roster spot. Caffey is now poised to be a key figure for the Penguins in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), one of the most competitive conferences in the FCS landscape.

The YSU Penguins are getting a running back with proven speed, power, and the mental toughness required to overcome multiple serious injuries. His presence is expected to immediately boost the team's ground attack, which is crucial for success in the MVFC.

4. What Caffey Brings to the Youngstown State Penguins in 2025

The YSU coaching staff and fans are excited about the potential impact of the Hubbard native. Caffey’s combination of size (5'10", 215 lbs) and explosive downhill running style is perfectly suited for the physical nature of MVFC football.

His addition provides the Penguins with a powerful, experienced running back who can handle a heavy workload. He is a high-upside player whose potential has been untapped due to injury. If he can remain healthy, Caffey could quickly become a focal point of the YSU offense, providing a reliable rushing threat that opens up the passing game. His arrival creates an instant competition and elevates the overall talent level in the Penguins’ running back room for the 2025 season.

5. The High-Stakes Outlook for the 2025 Season

All eyes in the Mahoning Valley will be on TC Caffey as the 2025 college football season approaches. His success is now tied to the Penguins' aspirations in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. YSU is a program with a strong football tradition, and Caffey’s story—a local star overcoming adversity—is one that resonates deeply with the fanbase.

The biggest question mark surrounding Caffey is his health. After two separate season-ending knee injuries, his durability will be tested throughout the grueling MVFC schedule. However, if he can stay on the field, his talent is undeniable. The 2025 season represents his best opportunity to showcase the skills that made him a high school legend and prove that he can be a dominant running back at the collegiate level, making his transfer a pivotal moment for both his career and the future of Youngstown State football.

5 Things You Need to Know About TC Caffey’s High-Stakes Transfer to Youngstown State for 2025
tc caffey youngstown state
tc caffey youngstown state

Detail Author:

  • Name : Whitney Williamson
  • Username : virgil48
  • Email : hadley07@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1995-01-22
  • Address : 37574 Gutmann Mountains Jaunitatown, MO 76592-2077
  • Phone : +1.203.801.7407
  • Company : Stanton-Cremin
  • Job : Statistical Assistant
  • Bio : Doloribus voluptates voluptatum magnam labore. Veniam consequatur ratione quod nemo velit.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/carmelosawayn
  • username : carmelosawayn
  • bio : Sed cumque et iste quae enim vel. Dolorum quo sunt laborum voluptates at.
  • followers : 2703
  • following : 2365

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@sawaync
  • username : sawaync
  • bio : Molestiae itaque voluptatibus laboriosam.
  • followers : 3070
  • following : 2437

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/sawaync
  • username : sawaync
  • bio : Tempore blanditiis odit qui beatae et rerum. Temporibus dolor et numquam similique et. Doloremque et molestiae est quos officiis ut earum molestias.
  • followers : 4603
  • following : 187

linkedin:

facebook: