Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins confirmed as one of the most polarizing RB prospect in 2025 NFL Draft as analysts debate where he will be selected

After opting to enter the transfer portal following the 2023 season, there was a massive market for former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins. He eventually ended up with the Ohio State Buckeyes, and was instrumental in helping the team win a National Championship in his lone season. Judkins ended that lone campaign with 1,060 rushing and 16 total touchdowns.

There is no debating that Judkins was a very good college running back. Just how good of a 2025 NFL Draft prospect is a bit of a different question. The A to Z Sports staff is a bit mixed on Judkins and his value on the next level. While Rob Gregson has him pegged as the No. 3 running back in the class, he comes in at No. 13 for me.

Here is why each views Judkins the way they do. The split is very, very interesting.

Case for Quinshon Judkins as a top-three running back

I know Ryan isn't the biggest fan of Judkins due to his vision and hips. To me, however, he's a two-down power back with home run potential, evidenced by his 40-yard dash. Sure, he needs a runway. He's not going to make a lot of people miss behind the line of scrimmage, and he doesn't have the quickest feet or most agile hips. But he's powerful, he's big at 6-0, 220 pounds, and he plays bully ball. I believe in bell cows, in lead backs. The NFL, in its cyclical nature, is starting to get back to that very process. The two best backs in the league last year were Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, who are utilized as primary ball carriers. It would be rich to assume Judkins is of that caliber, but I see a more explosive Najee Harris. All he did was rush for over 1,000 yards and five plus touchdowns every year in Pittsburgh, all behind a putrid offensive line. Judkins can do that and more in the right system. 

Case for Quinshon Judkins being very overrated

Judkins is a solid talent at the position, possessing a good blend of power and explosiveness. There are, however, extreme limitations to his game. He has some of the poorer vision in the class, too often smashing into traffic without the patience and evaluation skills to avoid contact. Judkins is also a very tight athlete who struggles to change direction. Without a clear path, there just isn’t much creativity to find hidden yardage.

In a running back class with so much depth, the best investments are going to center around uniqueness at the position. Judkins’ style can be copied very easily, and at a discounted price. The things to value most in the running back position are players that save tread on the tires and not take unnecessary hits. Vision and elusiveness should be held at a premium. There’s a role for Judkins, but not at such a high valuation.