Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes, the current national champions, carry a deep-rooted tradition. Their bond feels like a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime. This familiarity and unity have always been present, but this year was extra special because they achieved the ultimate goal—winning the national title together.
Former Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, now with the Cleveland Browns, recently reflected on this unique culture and the brotherhood that became even stronger following their championship victory. From his perspective, their brotherhood is something that never ends.
Former Ohio State Star Quinshon Judkins Shares Emotional Take on Team Bond
Ohio State made history by winning the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff under head coach Ryan Day last season, finishing the season with a strong 14-2 record. After their championship run, the Buckeyes sent 14 players to the NFL, seven of whom were picked in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Running back Quinshon Judkins was one of those top picks, selected by the Cleveland Browns at No. 36 overall. While getting drafted was a dream come true, it was also bittersweet for the Alabama native. Leaving the team right after winning a national title was tough. What made it even harder was the deep bond he had built with his teammates.
Judkins recently spoke about that emotional connection. Even as he begins his NFL journey, some part of his heart still misses the brotherhood at Ohio State. For him, being a Buckeye was about more than football. It was about family.
During a recent interview, recalling their first moment at the Buckeyes’ facility, he said, “I seen [sic] Denzel (Burke) and he’s like ‘O-H’ when I first walked into the facility. And I seen [sic] all the guys—I’ve met a lot of the guys that are Buckeyes on the team—and for them to be all around and still have that brotherhood… It’s a lifelong thing.”
Quinshon Judkins speaks on the brotherhood at Ohio State
“It’s pretty special and it’s a lifelong thing” pic.twitter.com/bKnyGfzQy2
— Woody (@woodyVSworld) June 8, 2025
The 21-year-old had transferred to Ohio State from Ole Miss before the 2024 season and quickly became a key part of the Buckeyes’ offense. In just one year, he rushed for 1,060 yards, averaged 5.5 yards per carry, and scored 14 touchdowns. He led the team in rushing and helped power their playoff run.
During the College Football Playoff, Judkins added 255 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He played a big role in wins over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame. His 70-yard run against Notre Dame helped set up a key touchdown that sealed the national title.
So, he had just one season to experience the Buckeye culture before heading to the NFL. Despite the short time, he quickly realized that Ohio State’s team chemistry and unity were unlike anything he had seen before.
RELATED: How a Bathroom Break Almost Made Quinshon Judkins Miss His NFL Dream
Joining Judkins in the NFL as Buckeye rookies are WR Emeka Ebbuka, OG Donovan Jackson, and DT Tyleik Williams, among others. Judkins joins Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson and Steelers RB Trey Sermon as Buckeye rushers in the league.
The Buckeyes have always been known for their close locker room. Coach Day and the program’s strong traditions have built this bond over time. Judkins’ words perfectly reflect what fans have long known: their brotherhood runs deep.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
