Quinshon Judkins unsure of 2025 return to Ohio State as Buckeyes prep for CFP quarterfinal against Oregon

Quinshon Judkins is the No. 2 running back on CBS Sports’ NFL Draft big board, but the Buckeyes junior hasn’t ruled out a return to Columbus in 2025. Judkins leads Ohio State with 157 carries for 839 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns and is poised for a big workload in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Oregon on New Year’s Day.

“No,” Judkins told reporters Saturday when asked if he’s given thought to his future at Ohio State. “As of right now, I’m just looking forward to this next game and trying to win it all.”

Judkins carried the ball 10 times for 34 yards and two touchdowns and caught two passes for nine yards in Ohio State’s 42-17 win over Tennessee in the first round of the CFP. The Ole Miss transfer rushed 11 teams for a season-low 23 yards and one score in the Week 7 loss at Oregon.

“When you look at the past game that we played against Oregon, and you watch the film over their last couple of games, you’re looking to see how they improved,” Judkins said. “What did they really change about their defense? It looks similar to the first time we played them. So, we just got to go and execute. Our coaches will find ways to get all the playmakers the ball and get us in the best position to score.”

Ohio State added former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson in the transfer portal during the winter window. He’s expected to split carries with second-year back James Peoples in 2025 if Judkins opts to leave school for the NFL Draft. Senior TreVeyon Henderson is out of eligibility after the Buckeyes’ CFP run. 

Donaldson ranks as the No. 6 running back and No. 106 overall player in the transfer portal after a three-year stint at West Virginia. The 6-foot-2, 238-pounder carried the ball 163 times for 734 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns in 13 games as a junior in 2024. He caught 14 balls for 104 yards and another score en route to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors.

Ohio State added three running backs in its 2025 recruiting class, including four-star prospect Bo Jackson. The Cleveland (Ohio) Villa Angela-St. Joseph product rated as the No. 136 overall prospect and No. 5 running back in his class following a prolific prep career. Jackson rushed for 588 yards and 10 touchdowns in four games as a senior and finished his junior campaign in 2023 with 1,700 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.

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“Bo Jackson is a big downhill runner,” 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins said. “He looks like he’s pushing 220 pounds as a senior. It is easy for running backs to play early in their careers. I love what Bo Jackson is able to do in terms of breaking contact. He can provide that downhill force for the Buckeyes as a rookie.”