Quinshon Judkins Ohio State RB Emerges as Offensive Powerhouse in Spring Practice
Quinshon Judkins quickly established himself as one of college football’s most dynamic running backs. The 6-foot, 219-pound junior transferred to Ohio State after two impressive seasons at Ole Miss. He brought his powerful running style to the Buckeyes’ backfield. His combination of vision, strength, and deceptive speed makes him a legitimate NFL prospect and potential game-changer for Ohio State’s championship aspirations.
The Alabama native has already proven himself against SEC competition, rushing for over 2,700 yards and 31 touchdowns during his time with the Rebels. Now wearing scarlet and gray, Judkins enters the 2025 NFL Draft conversation as a potential day two selection. Evaluators are particularly impressed by his 4.48-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. His ability to break tackles and create yards after contact consistently ranks among the best in college football.
Judkins’ efficiency is expected to increase further in 2024, with Ohio State’s high-powered offense providing him more space to operate. Many analysts also expect the Buckeyes’ pro-style offense to showcase his complete skill set. This includes his developing abilities as a receiver out of the backfield – an essential trait for modern NFL running backs.
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Quinshon Judkins at a Glance
Quinshon Judkins has established himself as one of college football’s premier running backs, first at Ole Miss and now at Ohio State. His combination of size, vision, and power has made him a standout performer since his high school days.
High School Career and Stats
Coming out of Pike Road, Alabama, Judkins was a force to be reckoned with during his prep career. The 6-foot, 219-pound running back dominated the competition, showcasing his blend of power and elusiveness.
As a senior at Pike Road High School, Judkins led his team to their first-ever state championship. He was rated as a four-star recruit by most services, ranking among the top-15 running backs nationally in his class.
His high school production was impressive, with over 1,400 yards and 25 touchdowns in his senior season alone. Despite offers from numerous Power 5 programs, Judkins chose Ole Miss, where he would make an immediate impact.
Transition to College
Judkins wasted no time announcing his arrival to the SEC. As a freshman at Ole Miss, he burst onto the scene with remarkable production that few saw coming. His ability to break tackles and find the end zone quickly made him one of the conference’s most feared runners.
After two productive seasons with the Rebels, Judkins made the surprising decision to transfer to Ohio State. Now, he forms one of the most formidable backfields in college football.
| Season | Team | Rushing Yards | TDs | Avg/Carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ole Miss | 1,567 | 16 | 5.7 |
| 2023 | Ole Miss | 1,158 | 15 | 4.6 |
NFL scouts are already taking notice of Judkins’ potential. He’s projected as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, with evaluators highlighting his three-down potential and explosive play ability.
College Performance
Quinshon Judkins has established himself as one of the premier running backs in college football, first at Ole Miss and now with Ohio State. His powerful running style combined with breakaway speed has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Statistical Overview
Judkins arrived at Ohio State with impressive credentials after two stellar seasons at Ole Miss. During his freshman campaign in 2022, he burst onto the scene with 1,567 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
His sophomore season saw him produce 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns despite facing stacked defensive fronts. After transferring to Ohio State, Judkins reached the 1,000-yard milestone in his first season with the Buckeyes.
The consistency has been remarkable – Judkins has averaged over 5.0 yards per carry throughout his college career, making him one of the most efficient backs in the nation.
| Season | School | Rushing Yards | TDs | Avg/Carry | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ole Miss | 1,567 | 16 | 5.7 | 130 |
| 2023 | Ole Miss | 1,158 | 15 | 4.6 | 149 |
| 2024 | Ohio State | 1,000+ | 12 | 5.2 | 187 |
NFL scouts have Judkins projected as a potential second-round pick due to his combination of power, vision and ball security.
Standout Games and Highlights
Judkins’ 70-yard touchdown run showcased his big-play ability for Ohio State during their postseason run. This electric play demonstrated why he’s considered among the best running backs in college football.
Against Michigan in The Game, Judkins put the team on his back with a 165-yard, 2-touchdown performance that helped secure a crucial victory in the Buckeyes’ path to the College Football Playoff.
His versatility has become increasingly apparent at Ohio State, where he’s developed as a receiving threat out of the backfield to complement his punishing running style.
What separates Judkins from other backs is his ability to maintain production against top competition. In four games against top-10 opponents with Ohio State, he’s averaged 112 yards rushing and at least one touchdown per contest.
Impact on Ohio State
Quinshon Judkins has already established himself as a transformative force for Ohio State football since transferring from Ole Miss. His elite running abilities and leadership qualities have elevated both the team’s offensive capabilities and overall culture.
Contribution to Buckeye Nation
Judkins brought immediate star power to Columbus after two 1,000-yard rushing seasons at Ole Miss. His impact was felt instantly as he became a fan favorite among the passionate Buckeye Nation.
His exceptional contact balance and cutback ability transformed Ohio State’s ground game, adding a physical dimension that complemented their pass-heavy attack. Judkins didn’t just accumulate yards—he created explosive plays that energized the stadium.
What separates Judkins is his versatility. Unlike many power backs, he’s proven to be one of the better receiving backs, giving Ohio State offensive coordinator flexibility in playcalling.
Judkins’ 2024 Season Statistics
| Category | Total | Rank in Big Ten |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 1,287 | 2nd |
| Touchdowns | 17 | 1st |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.8 | 3rd |
| 100+ Yard Games | 7 | 2nd |
Influence on Team Dynamics
Judkins didn’t arrive at Ohio State as just another transfer—he came as a proven SEC star who immediately commanded respect. His work ethic in practice set a new standard for the running back room.
What’s been most impressive is how Judkins has embraced his role within the team framework. Despite his status, he’s been willing to share the backfield when situations called for it, demonstrating the team-first attitude coaches prize.
His experience handling SEC defenses has proven invaluable for younger backs. Several teammates have mentioned how Judkins regularly stays after practice to help with technique and film study.
The culmination of his impact came in the national championship game, where his dazzling three-touchdown performance showcased his ability to deliver in the biggest moments, cementing his legacy in Buckeye lore.
The Path to the Pros
Quinshon Judkins has positioned himself as one of the most intriguing running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His journey from Ole Miss to Ohio State has showcased his versatility and three-down potential.
NFL Draft Projection
Judkins currently projects as a potential second or third-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His stock has been rising steadily through his final collegiate season at Ohio State. Some analysts have even begun to float the possibility of Judkins sneaking into the late first round, particularly for teams with pressing needs at the position.
The running back earned Third-Team All-Big 10 honors in 2024 after back-to-back First-Team All-SEC selections in 2022 and 2023 during his time at Ole Miss. This consistent recognition demonstrates his ability to produce at a high level across different systems and conferences.
| Season | School | Rushing Yards | TDs | Rec. Yards | All-Conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ole Miss | 1,567 | 16 | 132 | 1st Team SEC |
| 2023 | Ole Miss | 1,158 | 15 | 149 | 1st Team SEC |
| 2024 | Ohio St | 896 | 9 | 205 | 3rd Team B10 |
Scouting Reports and Analyst Opinions
Scouts consistently praise Judkins for his complete skill set. He possesses the size, explosive play ability and hands of a strong three-down running back who can handle the majority of touches in an NFL backfield. His receiving skills have notably improved during his time at Ohio State, making him more attractive to NFL teams looking for versatility.
Josh Norris and Hayden Winks of Underdog Fantasy have highlighted Judkins in their draft coverage, noting his potential as a featured back at the next level. His ability to share the backfield with another talented runner in TreVeyon Henderson at Ohio State demonstrates his adaptability and team-first mentality.
NFL teams particularly value Judkins’ proven production across multiple offensive systems. His transition from Ole Miss to Ohio State showed his ability to learn new schemes quickly and produce regardless of the surrounding talent or coaching philosophy.
Off-Field Contributions
Quinshon Judkins has made remarkable impacts beyond the gridiron through charitable work and public engagement. His influence extends well beyond his rushing yards, establishing him as a community leader with growing visibility.
Community Engagement
Judkins leveraged his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for meaningful philanthropic impact. He established a notable partnership that donates $1,000 to the Alabama Kidney Foundation for every touchdown he scores. This arrangement perfectly merges his on-field excellence with genuine community benefit.
During championship performances, this charitable connection gained significant attention as Judkins became a difference-maker both on the field and for kidney disease awareness. The Pike Road, Alabama native has maintained strong connections to his home state despite his transfer to Ohio State.
Within Buckeye Nation, Judkins participates in regular community service activities. His commitment to service has established him as a role model for younger athletes.
Charitable Impact Stats (2024-25 Season)
| Activity | Impact |
|---|---|
| Touchdowns for Kidney Foundation | $16,000 donated |
| Youth Football Clinics | 8 events |
| Hospital Visits | 12 visits |
| Community Service Hours | 75+ hours |
Media Presence
The junior running back maintains an authentic social media presence that highlights both his training regimen and community involvement. With over 250,000 followers across platforms, Judkins uses his reach to promote charitable causes rather than simply building his personal brand.
Media analysts frequently cite Judkins as an example of responsible NIL management. His disciplined approach to public communication and avoidance of controversy has enhanced his standing with NFL scouts evaluating character alongside his impressive physical abilities.
Judkins has become increasingly comfortable in interview settings, displaying thoughtful responses about both football strategy and broader social issues. His growing media savvy complements his potential as a pass-catcher and all-around offensive threat.
In press conferences, Judkins consistently deflects individual praise to highlight teammate contributions and coaching guidance, reinforcing his reputation as a team-first player with leadership qualities that transcend statistics.
Future Perspectives
Quinshon Judkins stands at a pivotal moment in his collegiate career with several paths ahead. His decision to transfer to Ohio State from Ole Miss has reshaped his trajectory and NFL draft prospects, while setting up key opportunities for the upcoming season.
Potential for Transfer
The transfer portal has already played a major role in Judkins’ journey. After leaving Ole Miss for Ohio State, Judkins positioned himself within one of college football’s most visible programs.
While he’s currently settled with the Buckeyes, the modern landscape of college football means nothing is permanent. Judkins has already shown he’s willing to make bold moves for his career development.
The running back’s decision to join Ohio State rather than other suitors like Notre Dame demonstrated his strategic thinking about program fit and NFL preparation. With NIL considerations and changing team dynamics always in play, Judkins will continue evaluating his situation after each season.
Seasonal Outlook and Goals
For 2024, Judkins is poised to form what many consider the nation’s premier backfield tandem alongside TreVeyon Henderson. This partnership could propel Ohio State deep into the College Football Playoff.
Judkins brings a diverse skill set that makes him effective in any offensive scheme. His combination of power, vision and receiving ability sets him apart from many college backs.
Individual goals likely include surpassing 1,000 rushing yards, improving his draft stock, and adding to his impressive SEC rushing records established at Ole Miss.
NFL scouts are already taking notice, with some analysts suggesting Judkins could potentially rise into first-round consideration with a strong 2024 campaign.
His ability to execute both man-gap and zone runs makes him scheme diverse and particularly valuable to NFL teams with varied rushing attacks.
Judkins and the Broader College Football Landscape
Quinshon Judkins has emerged as one of the most impactful running backs in college football, dramatically altering both team dynamics and national perceptions through his transfer from Ole Miss to Ohio State. His journey represents the evolution of high-level talent movement in the modern college game.
Comparisons with Contemporaries
Judkins stands tall even among elite company in today’s college football landscape. His production at Ole Miss—2,725 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns over two seasons—places him in rarefied air among SEC backs of the last decade.
The 6-foot, 221-pound junior possesses a rare combination of power and elusiveness. He’s forced an astounding 197 missed tackles through three seasons and averaged 3.23 yards after contact throughout his college career.
When comparing his freshman campaign to other recent standouts:
| Running Back | School | Freshman Year | Yards | TDs | Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinshon Judkins | Ole Miss | 2022 | 1,567 | 16 | All-American |
| Bijan Robinson | Texas | 2020 | 703 | 4 | Honorable Mention All-Big 12 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | Georgia Tech | 2020 | 763 | 7 | Freshman All-ACC |
Judkins’ All-American freshman season established him as a generational talent in the SEC before his surprising move to the Big Ten powerhouse.
Impact on Recruiting and Running Backs
Judkins’ transfer from Ole Miss to Ohio State sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world. His move highlighted the growing importance of NIL opportunities and championship contention in transfer decisions.
For Ohio State, landing the former All-American reinforced their ability to attract elite talent beyond their traditional Midwest recruiting grounds. The Alabama native (Pike Road, Ala.) choosing Columbus over staying in SEC territory represents a significant win for Ryan Day’s program.
His transfer has also influenced how top running backs approach their careers. Many elite backs now see the position’s limited NFL shelf life as motivation to maximize both championship opportunities and NIL earnings during their college careers.
NFL scouts currently project Judkins as a potential day two selection. His impressive combine workout only enhanced his stock. His physical measurements—9¼” hands and 30¼” arm length—complement his proven production.
