Running back Quinshon Judkins helped the Ohio State Buckeyes win the national championship with a 34-23 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this past season.
Having played in the National Championship Game, players from Ohio State and Notre Dame had an extended deadline to declare for the NFL Draft. All other players needed to declare by Jan. 15, but players on the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish had until Jan. 24.
And on the Friday following Ohio State’s historic win, Judkins announced that he is preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Fans React to Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins Declaring for NFL Draft
There was much speculation heading into the declaration deadline about which players would declare. Judkins, though, did not let the deadline pass by declaring on the last possible day, according to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel.
Judkins is the current RB5 on ESPN analyst Mel Kiper’s positional draft rankings.
With the announcement that he is entering the draft, college football fans discussed Judkins’ potential on X, with many expressing their excitement for his NFL career.
“He went from being the featured back in Ole Miss to winning a Natty at OSU. He has done it all. No reason to stay. Will go mid 1st round. Has an incredible burst, strength, and vision. Can take a screen play to the house,” one fan commented.
“He will be in the NFL for a long time,” one fan wrote.
He will be in the NFL for a long time
— Jacob C. Edmunds (@JacobCEdmunds) January 24, 2025
“This kid can do it all. Will be a great RB in the league,” one fan added.
This kid can do it all. Will be a great RB in the league
— Across The Field (@tOSUFootball) January 24, 2025
Fans continued to discuss Judkins’ declaration, but one was surprised he declared considering the strength of this year’s running back class.
“Genuinely shocked with the current RB Market that he didn’t stay in college another year. Cowboy lock,” one fan wrote.
Genuinely shocked with the current RB Market that he didn't stay in college another year. Cowboy lock.
— Southern Charm Sports (@SouthernCharmSp) January 24, 2025
“Leaving school early to hopefully get drafted as the 5th best back in the draft is risky. A bad combine will drop his draft stock,” one fan commented.
“Quinshon Judkins heading to the NFL… Ohio State’s loss is definitely some team’s gain. Top 5 RB in the draft is no small feat!” one fan added.
Quinshon Judkins heading to the NFL… Ohio State's loss is definitely some team's gain. Top 5 RB in the draft is no small feat!
— Ismael Mansoor (@ismael_mansoor) January 24, 2025
Judkins registered 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first season with Ohio State after transferring from Ole Miss. He just makes it into our Top 100 NFL Draft Big Board, but it will be interesting if his draft stock rises further after winning a national championship and as he goes through offseason workouts.