One day before the 2025 NFL season kicks off, former Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins has signed his first professional contract. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Judkins agreed to a four-year, $11.4 million deal with the Cleveland Browns. With Judkins putting pen to paper, all 2025 NFL Draft picks have now signed contracts.
After a three-year college career split between Ole Miss and Ohio State, Judkins declared for the NFL Draft early, following the Buckeyes' national championship win in January. He was selected early in the second round, No. 36 overall, by the Browns, two picks ahead of his former Scarlet and Gray teammate, TreVeyon Henderson.
Judkins started his college career at Ole Miss, where he became a standout in the SEC, rushing for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns over two seasons in Oxford. He transferred to Ohio State before the 2024 season, teaming up with Henderson to form one of the top running back duos in the country.
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Coming out of Pike Road High School in Alabama, Judkins was a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports rankings. He was the country's No. 46 running back and No. 25 prospect from his home state. According to the 247Sports Composite, Judkins was ranked as the No. 562 overall player in the country. On Sept. 29, 2021, Judkins committed to Ole Miss over scholarship offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State, Penn State, Tennessee and other programs.
Judkins quickly became the starting running back for the Rebels. As a freshman, Judkins dominated the SEC, leading the conference in rushing yards (1,565), rushing yards per game (120.38) and rushing touchdowns (16). He also caught 15 passes for 132 yards and another touchdown. After the 2022 season, Judkins was named first-team All-SEC and the conference's Newcomer and Freshman of the Year.
As a sophomore in 2023, Judkins delivered another impressive rushing season at Ole Miss. He finished the year with 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns on 271 carries. Judkins also caught 22 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. After the season, Judkins was once again named first-team All-SEC.
Judkins entered the transfer portal on Jan. 5, 2025. He announced his commitment to the Buckeyes shortly after rival Michigan won the 2023 national championship. By doing so, Judkins committed to a two-back system and was willing to share the workload with Henderson.
During his only season in Columbus, Judkins had a career-low 194 carries but still totaled 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He and Henderson became only the third pair of Buckeyes to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. Judkins also caught 22 passes for a career-high 161 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The running back scored seven times in the Scarlet and Gray's four College Football Playoff games, including three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving) in the national championship game against Notre Dame. After the season, Judkins was named third-team All-Big Ten.
The delay in Judkins' signing in Cleveland was due to an arrest for domestic violence in mid-July. He was detained in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on charges of battery and domestic violence, with more details being released once the police report was made public. In August, prosecutors decided not to pursue the case, and it was announced that Judkins would not face any formal charges. The NFL has not announced whether the league will punish the running back.
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Cleveland begins the 2025 NFL season on Sunday with an in-state matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at 1 p.m. ET. Judkins is now available to suit up for the Browns.