Quinshon Judkins, a running back from Ohio State, is heading to the NFL early. After just one season with the Buckeyes, he declared for the Draft on Jan. 24. Given he is a high-end tailback, Judkins is projected to be a Day 1 or Day 2 pick according to multiple outlets.
Quinshon Judkins’ Heartfelt Note to Ryan Day
Judkins showed out in Ohio State’s National Championship win over Notre Dame on Jan. 21, rushing for 100 yards on 11 carries, scoring two touchdowns, and adding another score through the air with two catches for 21 yards.
In his announcement on social media, he thanked Ohio State’s coaching staff, starting with head coach Ray Day, for their tutelage:
“To Coach Day, thank you for the opportunity to learn and love what it truly means to be a Buckeye. … To the entire Ohio State coaching and support staff, thank you for believing in me to represent the Ohio State Buckeyes.”
Quinshon Judkins says goodbye to Ohio State.
Via Quinshon Judkins on Instagram.
Thank you for everything Q 🫶 pic.twitter.com/lNHB8ySfhf
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) January 24, 2025
He thanked OSU fans and recounted the time spent with the program:
“To the Buckeye Nation, thank you for taking in a kid from Alabama, and continually showing your support. I am forever a Buckeyes and will carry my time spent on campus and playing at the show with me for a lifetime. Winning a national championship was the best way to end this journey and I’m excited for the next step in my football career.”
This season, Judkins rushed for 1,060 yards, added 161 yards receiving, and scored 16 touchdowns. He shared playing time with TreVeyon Henderson. Before coming to Ohio State, he was a cornerstone athlete at Ole Miss, where he put up 3,004 yards and 34 touchdowns in two seasons.
With his physique, strength and pass-catching proficiency, Judkins is a promising prospect for the NFL.
“Whoever picks me is going to get a super passionate player,” Judkins told ESPN. “A guy who makes plays on the field and can catch the ball, run the ball and pass protect. I can do so many things that have a huge impact on the game. Not only just that, but also a younger guy who can come in and have great leadership. My time at Ohio State, I’ve learned so much about that and being a great teammate as well.”
According to Pro Football Network’s latest 7-Round mock draft, the RB is projected to be selected as the No. 83 overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Judkins plays a similar game to Hampton but in a smaller package with less natural contact balance and worse ankle flexibility. Many believed he could be one of the best backs in the class, but in truth he’s always been outclassed by Henderson on his own team.
Still, his battering-ram style fits the culture in Pittsburgh, and if you need four yards, he can get you four yards!”