Quinshon Judkins, the standout running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, opting to forego his senior season.
The 6’0″, 219-pound star announced his decision on Instagram, expressing gratitude to Buckeye Nation, his teammates, and head coach Ryan Day.
Quinshon Judkins Declares for 2025 NFL Draft
Reflecting on his journey, Judkins shared a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“To Buckeye Nation, thank you for taking in a kid from Alabama and continually showing your support. I am forever a Buckeye and will carry my time spent on campus and playing at the ‘Shoe’ with me for a lifetime. Winning a national championship was the best way to end this journey, and I am excited for the next step in my football career.”
Judkins also expressed deep appreciation for the guidance and support he received throughout his college career:
“Thank you, Coach Day, for believing in me and giving me the chance to be part of this amazing program. I will forever cherish my time as a Buckeye.”
In just one season with the Buckeyes, Judkins amassed 1,221 yards from scrimmage and scored 16 touchdowns. His defining moment came in the College Football Playoff National Championship against Notre Dame, where he rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, adding two receptions for 21 yards and another score.
His contributions were pivotal in Ohio State’s 34-23 victory, cementing his status as one of the top running backs in college football.
MORE: Could Ohio State Break the Record for Players Selected in the NFL Draft?
To his teammates, Judkins shared a heartfelt message:
“To my teammates from Ohio State and Ole Miss, this journey doesn’t start or end without you. You will forever be my brothers, and I am grateful to have shared this journey with you.”
Judkins transferred to Ohio State from Ole Miss, where he had already established himself as a dominant force in the SEC.
During his freshman and sophomore seasons, he led the SEC in rushing touchdowns and was named CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year in 2022 after recording 1,567 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
His success at Ole Miss made him one of the most sought-after transfer portal additions, and he seamlessly transitioned into Ohio State’s high-powered offense.
From Underrated Recruit to College Football Star
Hailing from Pike Road, Alabama, Judkins wasn’t initially pegged as a future star. Rated as just a three-star recruit out of high school, his rise to prominence is a testament to his work ethic and talent. His breakout 2022 season at Ole Miss shocked many, as he became one of the most productive players in the country.
Judkins’ skill set goes beyond his physical running style. Over his college career, he proved to be a capable pass catcher, recording 59 receptions for 442 yards and five touchdowns. His versatility makes him a highly attractive prospect for NFL teams.
In CFN’s latest 2025 NFL Draft prospect rankings, Judkins is listed as the No. 5 running back.
“Judkins plays with flashes of creativity and wiggle, but his game comes with some limitations. While he shows natural instincts as a runner, he isn’t overly fluid, and his explosiveness doesn’t quite match that of his backfield partner, TreVeyon Henderson.
Judkins brings power to his game, often falling forward for extra yards and pushing piles, but he lacks elite contact balance to consistently shake off tacklers. His vision remains a work in progress, occasionally missing lanes that could maximize his runs.”
His departure leaves a significant void in Ohio State’s backfield, especially with fellow star TreVeyon Henderson also leaving after exhausting his eligibility. Together, Judkins and Henderson formed one of the most dominant backfield duos in college football.
KEEP READING: Ryan Day Earned His Stay, but Is That Best for Ohio State’s Future?
Both backs surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in the season and played key roles in delivering the Buckeyes’ national championship. Meanwhile, Ohio State is set to navigate even more changes, including the departure of quarterback Will Howard.
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