The Ohio State told ESPN on Friday that he will enter the 2025 NFL draft rather than use his final season of collegiate eligibility.

Ohio State star running back Quinshon Judkins is leaving school early and will declare for the NFL draft, he told ESPN.
His ranks as the No. 5 overall running back in the upcoming draft in Mel Kiper Jr.s position rankings. pic.twitter.com/MuhQlh5k1t

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 24, 2025

“My time here at Ohio State was like no other,” Judkins told ESPN in a phone interview. “It was like no other place I’ve ever been. I enjoyed my time here so much. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey and prove I’m the best running back in the draft class.”

A two-time first-team All-SEC selection at Ole Miss, Judkins transferred to Ohio State for his junior year. Splitting carries with TreVeyon Henderson, Judkins led the Buckeyes with 1,060 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on 194 carries, adding 22 catches for 161 yards and two more scores. He finished his lone season with the Buckeyes with a spectacular performance in the national championship game, running for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries and catching two passes for 21 yards and another touchdown.

Judkins is projected to be an early-round NFL draft pick, likely in the second or third round.

His decision to go pro means Ohio State loses both of its running backs who played regularly this season. Henderson will also be in the 2025 NFL draft as he is a senior with no remaining eligibility.

James Peoples and West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson Jr. are the top candidates to lead the running back room in 2025 now that Henderson and Judkins are gone. Peoples will be the Buckeyes’ lone returning scholarship running back as fellow rising second-year Sam Williams-Dixon entered the transfer portal earlier in January. The Buckeyes also have three incoming freshman running backs: Bo Jackson, Anthony “Turbo” Rogers and Isaiah West.

Judkins is one of three Ohio State juniors with NFL draft decisions to make along with linebacker Sonny Styles and cornerback Davison Igbinosun. Friday is the deadline for players to declare for the draft.