The 2025 NFL Draft is anticipated to include numerous talents, and Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins is at the forefront of this conversation. Having made headlines with his previous performances at both Ole Miss and Ohio State, Judkins is now capturing the attention of NFL scouts as he helps his team gear up for championship glory.
Judkins has provided Ohio State with depth and explosiveness. Despite being part of a committee offense, he has showcased his unique abilities and established himself as one of the top prospects at his position. Standing at 6'0" and weighing 219 pounds, his physical presence on the field is undeniable. Judkins combines power and elusiveness, making him incredibly difficult for defenders to tackle whether he’s running through traffic or breaking free on the edge.
During his college career, Judkins proved to be immensely productive. Coming out of Pike Road High School, he racked up impressive stats, including 1,534 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior. His transition to college football was seamless. At Ole Miss, he quickly distinguished himself, accumulating 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns during his freshman year. This performance earned him SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
His sophomore year saw him maintain high production levels with 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns. Following his transfer to Ohio State, Judkins rushed for 960 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, showcasing his continued growth and adaptability. Analysts note his ability to turn small openings and maintain balance even amid contact, making him seem like a broken-tackle machine.
Judkins’ strengths include his capacity for explosive runs and versatility as both a rusher and receiver. His combination of vision, agility, and strength allows him to capitalize on fleeting gaps, turning potential losses or minimal gains on running plays to significant advances. His acute awareness on the field means defenders will frequently double up to take him down.
Nevertheless, Judkins does have areas for improvement. His technique in pass protection is still developing, which is often highlighted by scouts as a potential stumbling block for his full-time role at the next level. At times, his patience can be more of hindrance than strength; he occasionally hesitates too long to hit the hole, causing him to forgo opportunities for positive yardage.
With the College Football Playoff around the corner, the stakes are high for Judkins. He stands poised to make significant strides not just for his team but also for his draft stock. He has the chance to showcase his skills on one of the biggest stages, facing elite competition. This, according to scouting reports, could greatly influence where he lands come draft day.
Projected as a mid-round draft pick, analysts anticipate Judkins will likely be selected around the second round. He is viewed not only as one of the most versatile backs available but also as someone who could add immediate value to any NFL roster. Despite not having the same output this past season as compared to his earlier years at Ole Miss, Judkins possesses dynamic abilities. For example, analysts compare him to other contemporary running backs, symbolizing his unique strengths and weaknesses.
Dalton Miller from Pro Football Network commented on Judkins' abilities: "Judkins plays similar to Omarion Hampton but with less natural contact balance. Many believed he could be one of the best backs, but he’s been challenged by TreVeyon Henderson at Ohio State. Still, his style is effective, particularly for teams needing to gain those tough yards." Miller ranks him as the No. 97 player on his Top 100 NFL Draft Big Board, highlighting the significant presence he holds among his peers.
The consensus is clear: Quinshon Judkins cannot be overlooked. Although he faces stiff competition from talented backs across the nation, his unique set of skills, experience, and versatility make him highly marketable for NFL teams seeking to bolster their backfields. The upcoming national championship game and his potential declaration for the draft are pivotal moments for Judkins, who is ready to take the next step toward his professional career.
Judkins has made his mark, and if he continues to improve his decision-making and pass protection skills, the next level may be waiting for this dynamic running back with much to offer. Without question, this young man possesses the potential to leave his imprint on the NFL, similar to the way he wowed during his college career.