Why Quinshon Judkins transferred from Ole Miss to Ohio State: What to know

On By Littum

Ohio State football running back Quinshon Judkins has had a good year in Columbus after transferring from Ole Miss.

Judkins, a junior, has shared carries and the top back role TreVeyon Hendersonand 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’ Miss Ole career and why he moved:

Judkins was an immediate 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 even as most defenses made it a point to scheme 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.

Things worked out quickly after 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 for Judkins.

Three weeks later, Judkins dismissed rumors of an NIL-motivated transfer to OSU. “A lot of people are not going to be happy when you make a decision for yourself,” he said in his initial media availability on January 30.

The Buckeyes’ roster this season has been a talented mix of transfers and Ohio State-only players. QB Will Howard (Kansas State), DB Caleb Downs (Alabama) and Judkins have all contributed, as has 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 and combined for just under 1,100 yards.

FROM LAST JANUARY: Former Ole Miss football RB Quinshon Judkins: NIL not focus for transfer to Ohio State

Judkins and Henderson have split 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 goes 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 halftime lead 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 Longhorn.

Each must 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.

Season Att. Rushing shipyards Hating TDs Rec. Rec. yards Rec. TDs
2022 (Ole Miss) 274 1,567 16 15 132 1
2023 (Ole Miss) 271 1,158 15 22 149 2
2024 (OSU) 183 960 12 20 140 1
  • 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