Quinshon Judkins has all the ingredients of a future NFL star. From his college production and championship experience to his elite Combine performance and glowing reviews from analysts like Anthony Schlegel, Judkins is poised to make a splash at the next level
Whether he’s drafted early in the second round or sneaks into the late first, one thing is clear: he’s ready.
Whichever team lands him will be getting a player not just with talent, but with heart, leadership, and the drive to be great.
Quinshon Judkins has done everything right to set himself up for NFL success. From dominating at Ole Miss to seizing the spotlight at Ohio State, his resume speaks for itself.
His attitude, work ethic, and talent make him more than just another prospect—he’s a potential game-changer.
Whether it’s in Cincinnati or another city, Judkins is going to make his presence felt. He has the tools to thrive in any offense and the mindset to become a cornerstone player. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, keep an eye on Judkins—because he’s ready to shine.
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Table of Contents
Quinshon Judkins: From Ole Miss Star to NFL Prospect
Quinshon Judkins’ football journey is one defined by explosive talent, hard-nosed work ethic, and an unwavering belief in his ability.1
From his breakout freshman season at Ole Miss to his championship-winning stint at Ohio State, Judkins has rapidly climbed the ranks of college football.
Now, with the NFL Draft looming, all eyes are on where this dynamic running back will land—and the Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as a compelling destination.
Congrats coach! They’re lucky to have you👏🏽 https://t.co/TaRgNHDf8e
— Quinshon Judkins (@quinshon_) March 14, 2025
Early Days at Ole Miss: A Star in the Making
Judkins burst onto the college football scene at Ole Miss, quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young backs in the nation.
In his freshman season, he racked up accolades and attention for his impressive combination of speed, strength, and vision.
By the time the 2023 season ended, Judkins had proven himself not only as a top rusher in the SEC but as a player destined for bigger stages.
His decision to enter the transfer portal after the 2023 season came as a surprise to many Rebel fans, but for Judkins, it was a step toward even greater challenges and the ultimate prize—an opportunity to compete for a national title and elevate his draft stock.
Quinshon Judkins: Judkins Joins the Buckeyes
Quinshon Judkins’ decision to transfer to Ohio State in 2024 sent shockwaves through the college football world.2
At the time, the Buckeyes were already loaded with talent but needed a dependable workhorse in the backfield to round out their offense. Judkins answered the call.
Under head coach Ryan Day, Judkins flourished. His powerful running style blended perfectly with the Buckeyes’ fast-paced, aggressive offense.
He rushed for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns, providing balance to a team filled with future NFL talent. More importantly, he helped lead Ohio State to a national championship, proving he could perform under pressure on college football’s biggest stage.
Declaring for the NFL Draft: Judkins’ Next Chapter
After a phenomenal year with the Buckeyes, Judkins made the decision to forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
It was a move that felt inevitable. With his size, skillset, and résumé, Judkins had nothing left to prove at the college level.
Judkins has since been on the pre-draft media circuit, showcasing not only his football IQ but also his charismatic personality. One of the highlights came during an appearance on the popular NFL show “Up and Adams,” hosted by Kay Adams.
Bengals in the Spotlight
During his interview with Kay Adams, the topic quickly shifted to potential NFL destinations, with the Cincinnati Bengals taking center stage.
Adams noted how Judkins’ skillset could be a natural fit in a high-powered offense alongside quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Judkins didn’t shy away from the conversation. In fact, he leaned into it with enthusiasm.
“It would be great,” Judkins said. “I think just my skillset translates to the NFL game. Everything that I do at my position, I just been a home-run threat, but just a guy that can do it all. I have that ability to be in a pass game and get those yards… and just be able to do everything. My game translates in any offense in the league and it works.”
His words reflect confidence, not arrogance. Judkins knows what he brings to the table—a rare blend of speed, power, and versatility that NFL offenses covet.
How Judkins Fits the Bengals’ Scheme
The Bengals have been known for their wide-zone rushing scheme, which relies on quick reads, agility, and vision—traits that Judkins has in abundance. He’s not just a between-the-tackles bruiser; he’s a home-run threat who can change the game with one cut.
His ability to catch passes out of the backfield also adds value. In today’s NFL, versatility is key, and Judkins has shown he can line up in various formations and create mismatches against linebackers.
Pairing him with a developing back like Chase Brown could give Cincinnati a formidable one-two punch and reduce wear and tear on either player over the course of a grueling season.
Quinshon Judkins: Strengths That Translate to the Next Level
Judkins’ strengths make him one of the most intriguing backs in this year’s draft class:
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Balance and Vision: He sees holes before they open and maintains control through contact.
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Acceleration: Once he hits the second level, he’s tough to catch.
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Pass-catching Ability: He’s a legitimate option in the passing game, not just a checkdown target.
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Toughness and Durability: Judkins has absorbed heavy workloads at both Ole Miss and Ohio State without showing signs of slowing down.
While many running backs enter the league with concerns about workload or injuries, Judkins’ track record suggests he’s ready to handle the physical demands of the NFL.
Draft Day Outlook: What to Expect
Where Judkins falls in the draft will depend on team needs and how franchises evaluate positional value.
Running backs have often been undervalued in recent years, but players with Judkins’ traits tend to rise as draft day approaches.
Early projections place him in the late second to fourth-round range, though a strong pre-draft process—including his visit to Cincinnati—could boost his stock.
For teams like the Bengals looking to compete now, investing in a polished, NFL-ready running back makes a lot of sense.
Why Cincinnati Makes Sense
- The Cincinnati Bengals could be an ideal landing spot for Judkins, and there are several reasons why this pairing makes sense.
- First, the Bengals are looking to build a more balanced offensive attack.
- With Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase leading the passing game, adding a dynamic running back like Judkins could open up the playbook and make defenses think twice.
- Second, Cincinnati has six picks in the 2025 draft. While they have more pressing needs on defense and the offensive line, using one of their middle-round selections on Judkins would be a smart move.
- He’s a player who could contribute immediately while also developing into a long-term solution in the backfield.
- Finally, the Bengals recently hosted Judkins on a pre-draft visit—a clear signal of legitimate interest.
- While visits don’t always translate to draft selections, they do show that the team is doing its due diligence.
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Quinshon Judkins: Who Is He?
Rising Star of the NFL Draft Class
The NFL Draft season always brings with it a frenzy of evaluations, mock drafts, and speculation.3
Among the standout names this year is Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, whose performance on and off the field has caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike.
One of his biggest supporters is Anthony Schlegel, a former Ohio State linebacker and current football analyst, who recently discussed Judkins’ potential in the NFL on the Bobby Carpenter Show.
With a national title under his belt and an impressive NFL Combine showing, Judkins looks ready to take on the next level.
Dominating the College Gridiron
Judkins transferred to Ohio State after two explosive seasons at Ole Miss, and his impact was immediate. The Buckeyes leaned heavily on his versatile skill set throughout the season, and he delivered.
From tough yards up the middle to explosive runs on the outside, Judkins showed the kind of all-around back NFL teams crave.
What truly set him apart, however, was his performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
As Ohio State triumphed on January 20, Judkins played a pivotal role, both in moving the chains and breaking big plays when it mattered most. His championship pedigree is now a valuable asset in the eyes of NFL evaluators.
Anthony Schlegel’s High Praise
Anthony Schlegel, known for his intense passion for football and deep connections to the Ohio State program, didn’t hold back when discussing Judkins’ NFL future.
“Q boom ran a 4.48,” Schlegel exclaimed. “Let’s not forget, guys, they played a national championship on January 20. So he had basically three and a half, four weeks max that he’s preparing to do this [the Combine].”
Schlegel pointed out that the short window between the end of the season and the Combine made Judkins’ athletic achievements even more impressive.
NFL Combine: A Showcase of Power and Speed
Judkins’ Combine performance helped solidify his reputation as one of the most athletic running backs in this year’s draft class.
He ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, a time that puts him in elite territory for running backs of his size and build. Even more impressive was his 11-foot broad jump, an explosive display of lower-body power.
“That’s amazing,” Schlegel said of the jump. “That is 100% power into the ground. One of the great, had an 11-foot broad jump. Q had great numbers.”
The numbers were not just flashy—they demonstrated Judkins’ explosiveness, balance, and burst, all of which are critical traits for an NFL running back.
Quinshon Judkins: Projected Draft Position
High Second-Round Steal?
While Judkins might not be listed among the top five picks, most analysts agree that he won’t fall far.
Experts project him to go in the second round, possibly early in Day 2. For a team looking to get great value and an immediate impact player, Judkins could be a steal.
Teams in need of backfield help—such as the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, or Baltimore Ravens—might see Judkins as the perfect blend of talent and toughness.
In a league where running backs often slip in the draft, Judkins is doing everything he can to break the trend.
A Leader on and off the Field
Judkins isn’t just an athlete—he’s a leader. Teammates at Ohio State have often praised his humility, leadership, and ability to inspire through action. Whether it was during practices, in film study, or in the locker room, Judkins led with purpose.
NFL teams look for players who can elevate a locker room culture, and Judkins has shown he can be that kind of presence. Combined with his championship experience, he brings intangibles that can’t be measured at the Combine.
Fit and System Matter
While Judkins is a great talent, his long-term success will partly depend on the system he lands in.
He would thrive in a zone-blocking scheme where his vision and patience can shine. However, he also has the strength and decisiveness to do well in power-running offenses.
The right coaching staff can unlock his full potential. With proper development and usage, Judkins has the tools to become not just a starter but a potential Pro Bowl-caliber running back.
Comparison to NFL Greats
- While it’s always tricky to compare young prospects to NFL legends, Judkins’ running style evokes memories of players like Mark Ingram in his prime—powerful, reliable, and smart.
- Like Ingram, Judkins has a thick frame, low center of gravity, and sneaky burst that can turn a five-yard gain into a 20-yard dash.
- Some scouts also see shades of Aaron Jones in Judkins’ ability to accelerate through tight lanes and contribute as a receiver. These comparisons underscore the high ceiling Judkins brings to the table.
- Once drafted, Judkins will face a new set of challenges. The NFL learning curve can be steep, especially for running backs who must master complex blocking schemes and blitz pickups.
- But Judkins has already proven that he thrives under pressure and adapts quickly.
- Look for him to contribute early as part of a rotation, with the potential to earn a starting role by midseason.
- Much like Kenneth Walker III or Isiah Pacheco in recent years, Judkins could be one of the breakout rookies of the upcoming NFL season.
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