Ohio State football running back Quinshon Judkins has had a fine year in Columbus after transferring from Ole Miss.
Judkins, a junior, has shared carries and the top back role with TreVeyon Henderson, and each should expect to hear his name called in April’s NFL draft as soon as Day 2.
Judkins, from Pike Road, Alabama, will be a factor in Monday’s College Football Playoff national championship game between the Buckeyes and Notre Dame in Atlanta.
Here’s a look at Judkins’ Ole Miss career and why he transferred:
Quinshon Judkins’ career at Ole Miss
Judkins was an instant impact player at Ole Miss as a true freshman in 2022, compiling seven 100-yard rushing games, including a season-high 214 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas. His 1,567 yards (with 16 touchdowns) were the second-most in SEC history by a freshman, trailing only Herschel Walker.
As a sophomore, Judkins’ usage continued to be heavy, though most defenses made it a point to plan against the Rebels’ rushing attack. Still, he rushed for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns, with all six 100-yard rushing games against power competition as Ole Miss won 11 games.
Why did Quinshon Judkins transfer from Ole Miss to Ohio State?
Things worked quickly following Ole Miss’ Peach Bowl win over Penn State on Dec. 30, 2023.
On Jan. 4, 2024, Judkins entered the transfer portal, the same day Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin tweeted a photo of a shark with the caption “Catch and release.” Judkins committed to Ohio State on Jan. 8, and Kiffin tweeted his appreciation of Judkins.
Three weeks later, Judkins dispelled rumors of an NIL-motivated transfer to OSU. “A lot of people won’t be happy when you make a decision for yourself,” he said in his introductory media availability on Jan. 30.
The Buckeyes’ roster this season has been a talented mix of transfers and players who have played only for Ohio State. QB Will Howard (Kansas State), DB Caleb Downs (Alabama) and Judkins all have starred, as have Henderson, senior defensive end Jack Sawyer and true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss struggled to find a true RB1 in 2024. Henry Parrish Jr. and Ulysses Bentley IV split carries and combined for just under 1,100 yards.
FROM LAST JANUARY:Former Ole Miss football RB Quinshon Judkins: NIL not focus of transfer to Ohio State
Quinshon Judkins’ 2024 season at Ohio State
Judkins and Henderson have shared the RB1 duties almost exactly 50%; Judkins has more carries than Henderson, but Henderson enters the national championship game with seven more rushing yards (967 to 960) this season.
The hot hand has gotten the attention in big games, and usually one of the two step up. In the regular-season loss to Oregon, Henderson had 87 rushing yards on 10 carries. Judkins had a team-high 95 rushing yards against Penn State. Henderson had 68 rushing yards and a key touchdown to take the lead before halftime against Indiana.
In the CFP, Judkins has recorded more carries than Henderson, but both have been major contributors. Judkins had two touchdown runs in the semifinal win over Texas, and Henderson’s 75-yard touchdown reception on a screen was key for the Buckeyes before halftime against the Longhorns.
Each will need to make an impact against a Notre Dame defense that allowed less than 70 rushing yards against Indiana and Georgia but gave up 204 to Penn State.
Quinshon Judkins college stats
SeasonAtt.Rushing yardsRushing TDsRec.Rec. yardsRec. TDs2022 (Ole Miss)2741,567161513212023 (Ole Miss)2711,158152214922024 (OSU)18396012201401
- 2022: 274 carries, 1,567 rushing yards, 16 rushing TDs; 15 catches, 132 receiving yards, TD; SEC Freshman of the Year, All-SEC first team, Freshman All-America
- 2023: 271 carries, 1,158 rushing yards, 15 rushing TDs; 22 catches, 149 receiving yards, 2 TDs; All-SEC first team
- 2024: 183 carries, 960 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs; 20 catches, 140 rushing yards, TD; All-Big Ten third team
