Quinshon Judkins, a 2024 National Champion running back with the Ohio State Buckeyes has declared for the NFL draft. With the declaration of Judkins, and the graduation of TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes will be missing their top two rushers from last year, but the cupboard is far from bare. Judkins, who was outstanding for Ohio State this season, has a great deal of tread left on his tires and had to do this. He is likely a second or third-round pick. Do you think Judkins made the correct decision?
Quinshon Judkins Statistics
Having won the 2024 National Championship there was not much else for Quinshon Judkins to prove in college as he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Judkins is a junior and as such had one year of collegiate eligibility remaining. This past year Judkins split time with Henderson, forming a two-headed monster at running back for Ohio State. In 2024 Judkins had 1,060 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on 194 carries, adding 22 catches for 161 yards and two more scores.
He had to declare for the NFL Draft as the workload for the Ole Miss transfer was much heavier down south. In 2022 and 2023 he had 271 and 274 carries respectively. If you subscribe to the theory that running backs have only so many carries in their legs, then the sand is running through the top half of the hourglass for Judkins.
Draft Stock
It is thought by National Football League draft experts that Judkins is a day-two pick, probably going in the second or third round. He can improve his draft stock, given his exorbitant workload in college by doing well at the NFL Scouting Combine. The decision to leave college early is an interesting one in this era of name, image, and likeness pay for college athletes. It is possible that Ohio State could have offered Judkins more money to stay in college than he will make by turning professional.
Nevertheless, Judkins decided to declare for the NFL draft and turn professional. He said, “My time here at Ohio State was like no other, 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.” That seals it.
The Remaining Ohio State Running Backs
While Ohio State, no doubt, would have liked to have him back, the cupboard at Ohio State is fine with the early departure of Judkins and the graduation of Henderson. James Peoples was a freshman in 2024 and looked good in limited action. West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson Jr. is the biggest running back Ohio State has had since Carlos Hyde. Ohio State went and got him in the transfer portal for just this eventuality. The Buckeyes also have three incoming freshman running backs, who are all highly touted and are likely now to see some playing time: Bo Jackson, Anthony “Turbo” Rogers, and Isaiah West.
It is not surprising Judkins declared for the NFL draft, given his historical workload and the fact Ohio State just won a National Championship. Expect more players and coaches to leave Ohio State in the coming days. Juniors Sonny Styles and Davison Igbinosun can declare for the draft by Friday. It is mirrored that star Wide Receiver Carnell Tate may transfer to Oregon. Defensive Line Coach Larry Johnson is 74 years old and may retire. Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles may move laterally to the University of Oklahoma, to be near his girlfriend, and is being courted by Penn State. There will be others.
Conclusion
The graduation of 31 seniors, coupled with the early exits, transfers, and coaching changes offer Ohio State an opportunity to reload. It is normal for there to be a lot of turnover for teams that win national titles. That makes Ohio State normal.
