The Ohio State Buckeyes recently secured the College Football Playoff national championship, but as they prepare for the upcoming season, they face the challenge of moving forward without one of their standout players. On Friday morning, star running back Quinshon Judkins announced to Pete Thamel of ESPN that he intends to leave the team a year early to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“My time here at Ohio State was like no other,” Judkins told ESPN in a phone interview. “It was like no other place I’ve ever been. I enjoyed my time here so much. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey and prove I’m the best running back in the draft class.” Judkins joined the Buckeyes this season after transferring from Ole Miss, where he was considered the top running back in the transfer portal, and he certainly lived up to the hype.
During the season, Judkins led the team with 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns across 194 carries, while also adding 22 receptions for 161 yards and two additional scores. He delivered an outstanding performance in the Buckeyes’ national championship victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, accumulating 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries, along with two receptions for 21 yards and another touchdown. His game-changing 70-yard run early in the second half was pivotal in sealing the win.
“It’s an amazing feeling just leaving as champions,” he remarked. “This is what me and my brothers and coaches set out to do, and there’s no better feeling. It’s something that will live forever and a memory me and my brothers will have forever.” In addition to Judkins, the Buckeyes are losing fellow standout running back TreVeyon Henderson, who closely followed Judkins with 1,016 rushing yards this season. Both are projected to be among the top running backs selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Judkins’ decision sparked a wide range of reactions on social media. One fan commented, “He went from being the featured back in Ole Miss to winning a Natty at OSU. He has done it all; no reason to stay. Will go mid 1st round. Has an incredible burst, strength, and vision. Can take a screen play to the house.” However, another individual noted the risks associated with leaving early, saying, “Leaving school early to hopefully get drafted as the 5th best back in the draft is risky. A bad combine will drop his draft stock.” Some fans expressed disappointment, with one stating, “Selfishly, I don’t agree with this,” while another wrote, “Genuinely shocked with the current RB Market that he didn’t stay in college another year.” Yet another remarked, “Ohio State’s loss is definitely some team’s gain. Top 5 RB in the draft is no small feat!”
Additionally, some fans lamented the decision not to complete their education, with one saying, “It’s too bad these kids don’t finish their educations. One major injury early in their career, and it’s broke city. Robert Smith did it right. Two degrees before playing in the NFL.” As Judkins and Henderson depart, Ohio State will likely look to sophomore James Peoples and West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson Jr. to lead the backfield next season.
