Ohio State Running Back Quinshon Judkins Reflects on Why He Almost Left After One Year

In the ever-changing world of college football, players often face challenging decisions that can shape their futures. For Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, his journey with the Buckeyes was almost shorter than expected. After an impressive first season with Ohio State, Judkins opened up about the internal struggle he faced that nearly led him to leave the team.

Judkins, who transferred to Ohio State after two standout years at Ole Miss, quickly became a pivotal part of the Buckeyes’ offense. However, it wasn’t always clear that he would stay in Columbus for more than one season. In a recent interview, he shared that during his first year, he was seriously considering leaving the program due to several factors, including adapting to a new system, competing for a starting role, and the pressure to live up to expectations.

“At first, I wasn’t sure if I could adjust to the system and the level of competition,” Judkins admitted. “Coming from Ole Miss, where I was a focal point, it was tough finding my role here. The coaches were great, but it’s a different environment, and I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for me.”

Despite the initial challenges, Judkins pushed through the difficult moments and found his rhythm with the Buckeyes. His hard work paid off as he finished the season with 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, while also adding 161 receiving yards and two more touchdowns. His standout performance in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff title game against Notre Dame was a game-changer, where he scored three touchdowns — two on the ground and one through the air. This performance solidified his place as one of the top running backs in the nation.

Judkins acknowledged that his turnaround was due in large part to the support from his teammates and coaches, as well as his personal determination. “It took some time, but the coaches really helped me grow as a player and a person,” he said. “Once I found my place in the offense, I was able to play my best football. It was about trusting the process.”

As his first season wrapped up, Judkins was faced with yet another decision: whether to stay at Ohio State or pursue a professional career. Ultimately, Judkins opted to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, but not without some internal conflict. The decision to leave after just one season was difficult, especially after everything he had invested into the program. However, he recognized that his time at Ohio State, while challenging, helped him mature as a player and prepare for the next level.

“Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make,” Judkins shared. “I’ve learned so much in my time here. I’ve grown not only as a football player but also as a person. I feel like I’m ready for the next step in my career.”

Looking ahead, Judkins is eager to prove himself at the professional level. His success in his first year with Ohio State has put him on the map as a potential top draft pick. While his decision to almost leave the Buckeyes after one year might have seemed surprising to some, it’s clear that Judkins’ story is one of perseverance and growth. His brief but impactful tenure at Ohio State has set the stage for what could be a bright future in the NFL.