Ohio State Junior RB Quinshon Judkins Declares for the 2025 NFL Draft
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, ESPN reports. Judkins, a standout junior who has been pivotal to the Buckeyes’ offensive success over the past two seasons, made the announcement just days after Ohio State’s bowl game victory.
Judkins’ decision to forego his senior season is hardly a surprise given his meteoric rise in college football. After transferring from Ole Miss ahead of the 2024 season, Judkins quickly made his presence felt in Columbus. His unique combination of power, speed, and vision transformed the Buckeyes’ running game, making him one of the most talked-about running backs in the nation.
During the 2024 season, Judkins amassed over 1,500 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, earning him All-Big Ten honors and a spot as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which recognizes the nation’s best running back. His ability to break tackles, find gaps in the defense, and make explosive plays out of seemingly nothing made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a fan favorite in Columbus.
Judkins’ success wasn’t limited to the ground game. He also proved himself as a reliable receiver out of the backfield, finishing the season with 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways are key attributes that will make him highly coveted in the upcoming NFL Draft.
For Judkins, the decision to declare for the NFL Draft comes at the perfect time. Running backs often have a shorter shelf life in the NFL due to the physical demands of the position, and his stock is at its peak following a dominant season.
The 2025 running back draft class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent years, but Judkins is widely regarded as a top prospect in the group. Analysts have projected him to be a late first-round or early second-round pick, depending on team needs and draft order. With NFL teams increasingly valuing running backs who can contribute in both the run and pass game, Judkins’ skill set is tailor-made for today’s league.
By entering the draft now, Judkins avoids the risk of injury or a potential dip in performance during his senior year. Additionally, his stellar 2024 season has already cemented his reputation, and returning to college would likely do little to improve his draft stock.
Judkins’ departure leaves a significant void in Ohio State’s offense. His ability to control the tempo of the game and make big plays consistently will be difficult to replace. However, the Buckeyes have always been a program capable of reloading talent, and head coach Ryan Day will undoubtedly have a plan in place.
Ohio State’s depth chart features several promising young running backs, including sophomores Darnell Simmons and Marcus Hall, who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action during the 2024 season. Still, neither has the experience or proven track record that Judkins brought to the table.
The Buckeyes’ offense may also lean more heavily on their passing game in 2025, especially with star quarterback Devin Brown returning for his senior season. Brown and wide receiver duo Marvin Harrison III and Emeka Egbuka will likely be asked to shoulder more of the load as Ohio State looks to remain a contender in the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff race.
Quinshon Judkins enters the NFL Draft as one of the most polished and NFL-ready running back prospects in recent memory. At 5’11” and 215 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an every-down back. His physicality allows him to run effectively between the tackles, while his speed and agility make him a threat to bounce runs outside for big gains.
NFL scouts are also raving about his football IQ and work ethic, traits that will endear him to coaches at the next level. Judkins’ ability to pass protect, a skill often overlooked in college running backs, further enhances his value. He has drawn comparisons to established NFL stars like Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley for his all-around game and ability to thrive in any offensive system.
In a league where running backs must often prove their worth as dual threats, Judkins’ receiving ability gives him a significant edge over other prospects. Teams looking for a player who can contribute immediately will likely have Judkins high on their draft boards.
Quinshon Judkins’ decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft marks the end of an impressive college career and the beginning of what promises to be an exciting professional journey. His impact at Ohio State was undeniable, and his departure leaves a lasting legacy as one of the most dynamic running backs in recent program history.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Judkins to see where he lands and how he transitions to the NFL. For now, Ohio State fans can celebrate the contributions of a player who gave everything on the field, and NFL fans can look forward to seeing one of college football’s brightest stars take his talents to the next level.