How Quinshon Judkins’ NFL Draft Selection Affects the 2025 Ohio State Football Team
As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, college football fans are anxiously awaiting the future of star players like Quinshon Judkins. The standout running back from Ohio State has declared for the draft, and his departure is set to have a significant ripple effect on the Buckeyes’ football program. While Ohio State has long been a powerhouse in college football, the absence of such a dynamic player raises important questions about the team’s future offensive strategies, personnel, and overall depth heading into the 2025 season.
Judkins, a highly recruited and productive back, was one of the brightest stars on Ohio State’s roster during his time with the team. His decision to enter the NFL Draft leaves a significant void in the Buckeyes’ backfield, and as Ohio State looks ahead to 2025, there will be a number of considerations to address in light of his departure.
Quinshon Judkins’ Impact on Ohio State’s Offense
Quinshon Judkins was not just a star running back for Ohio State—he was an essential part of their offensive identity. His ability to break tackles, churn out big runs, and dominate in critical situations gave the Buckeyes a reliable offensive weapon that defensive coordinators feared. Judkins was the engine that powered the Ohio State ground game, often providing balance to an offense that was heavily reliant on both the run and pass.
In the 2024 season, Judkins amassed over [total rushing yards, touchdowns, and key statistics], helping lead Ohio State to [significant achievements, like a bowl game, playoff berth, etc.]. His vision, burst, and consistency were critical in Ohio State’s offensive success, especially during high-stakes games in the Big Ten and in nationally televised matchups.
Not only was Judkins a workhorse in terms of carrying the ball, but he was also heavily involved in the passing game, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat back. His dynamic playmaking ability allowed Ohio State’s offense to keep defenses on their toes, opening up opportunities for the Buckeyes’ star quarterbacks and wide receivers.
The Immediate Impact of Judkins’ Departure
The loss of Quinshon Judkins undoubtedly creates a significant gap in Ohio State’s offense. Here are some key ways in which his departure will affect the team heading into the 2025 season:
1. The Running Back Room: A Major Void
Judkins’ departure leaves Ohio State with a hole at the running back position, and the team will need to find a way to replace his production. While Ohio State has a number of talented players in its running back room, none have the proven consistency and versatility that Judkins brought to the table. Players such as [potential replacements, e.g., a rising sophomore or junior] will have to step up and take on a larger role in 2025.
Ohio State’s coaches will likely rely on a committee approach to fill the void left by Judkins, but finding a feature back who can carry the load in both the running and passing game will be essential. The team will need a player capable of handling the physical demands of the position while also providing the same explosive plays that Judkins was known for.
2. The Offensive Scheme: Adjustments on the Horizon
Ohio State’s offense, especially under head coach Ryan Day, has been built to take advantage of a dynamic running back. Judkins was a major part of the Buckeyes’ ability to establish the run and create play-action opportunities for their quarterbacks. With his departure, Ohio State may need to tweak its offensive strategy, depending on how the running back situation evolves.
The team may lean more heavily on its passing game, given the strength of the quarterback position and the presence of several elite wide receivers. However, Ohio State will need to maintain some semblance of balance to avoid becoming predictable. The success of the 2025 offense will depend on how well the team can adapt to life without Judkins and continue to develop its running game.
3. Offensive Line Play: Increased Importance
Judkins’ success on the field was also a reflection of Ohio State’s dominant offensive line. The Buckeyes have consistently boasted one of the best offensive lines in college football, and the group will play an even more pivotal role in 2025. Without a proven star like Judkins, the offensive line will need to assert control over the line of scrimmage, creating running lanes for whoever takes over the starting role.
Ohio State’s offensive line will have to continue its excellence in both the run game and in pass protection, ensuring that the quarterback has time to survey the field and make accurate throws. The success of Ohio State’s offense in 2025 will, in many ways, depend on how well the offensive line can adjust to the loss of Judkins and continue to dominate.
Opportunities for New Players to Shine
The departure of Quinshon Judkins presents a golden opportunity for other players to step into the spotlight and make a name for themselves. While the transition will undoubtedly be challenging, Ohio State’s recruiting has been among the best in the country, and there are several players who could rise to the occasion in 2025.
Potential Running Back Replacements:
- [Player Name 1]: A highly touted recruit, [Player Name 1] could emerge as the lead back in the 2025 season. Known for his [strengths, e.g., speed, vision, etc.], he has the potential to become a feature back who can pick up where Judkins left off.
- [Player Name 2]: A rising sophomore with impressive athleticism, [Player Name 2] could see an increased role in the offense. His ability to make defenders miss and break big runs could be an asset to Ohio State’s offense in the post-Judkins era.
- [Player Name 3]: As a versatile back who can contribute both on the ground and in the passing game, [Player Name 3] has the potential to be a dynamic dual-threat weapon for the Buckeyes.
Wide Receivers and Quarterback Development:
With the running game likely to see some changes in 2025, Ohio State’s wide receivers and quarterbacks may need to shoulder more of the offensive load. The good news for Ohio State is that it boasts some of the best talent in the country at both positions.
Quarterback [Player Name, e.g., Kyle McCord, etc.] will have the ability to rely on [elite wide receivers, e.g., Marvin Harrison Jr., etc.] to stretch the field and create scoring opportunities, but finding balance will still be important. The success of the passing game may depend on how well the running back position can complement the air attack.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season for Ohio State
The loss of Quinshon Judkins is a major challenge for Ohio State football, but it’s not an insurmountable one. With a wealth of talent on the roster and an experienced coaching staff led by Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have the tools to continue competing for a national championship. The running back position will be a focal point as the team looks for its next star, but Ohio State’s overall depth and talent pool mean that the offense can remain dynamic, even without Judkins.
In many ways, Judkins’ departure is a natural part of the cycle of college football. As he moves on to the NFL, new players will rise to fill the void, and Ohio State will continue to build a program that’s capable of competing at the highest level. The 2025 season will be a test of Ohio State’s adaptability, but with their strong foundation, the Buckeyes remain poised to remain one of the top teams in college football.