Buckeye Back to the Browns: Quinshon Judkins Embarks on NFL Journey in Cleveland
The echoes of “O-H!” will soon be met with a resounding “Browns!” as former Ohio State Buckeyes standout running back Quinshon Judkins finds his new professional home in Cleveland. In a move that sent ripples of excitement through both Buckeye Nation and the Dawg Pound, the Cleveland Browns selected Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This highly anticipated transition marks the next chapter in the career of a dynamic and powerful running back who has already left an indelible mark on the college football landscape.
Judkins’ journey to the NFL is a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless work ethic. After two stellar seasons at Ole Miss, where he shattered freshman records and earned consecutive First-Team All-SEC honors, Judkins transferred to Ohio State for his junior year in 2024. In Columbus, he seamlessly integrated into a potent Buckeyes offense, forming a formidable one-two punch in the backfield alongside fellow draft prospect TreVeyon Henderson. Despite sharing carries, Judkins amassed 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns for the national champion Buckeyes, further solidifying his status as one of the premier running backs in the nation. His ability to consistently produce at a high level in two different Power Five conferences speaks volumes about his adaptability and skill.
What makes Judkins such an intriguing prospect for the Browns is his multifaceted skillset. At 5’11” and 221 pounds, he possesses a rare blend of power, agility, and vision. He’s not just a bruiser who relies solely on physicality; Judkins exhibits impressive footwork, elusiveness in tight spaces, and the ability to make defenders miss. His running style is often described as violent and determined, consistently fighting for extra yards and displaying a knack for breaking tackles. Beyond his rushing prowess, Judkins has also demonstrated reliable hands as a receiver out of the backfield, tallying 22 receptions in each of his final two college seasons. This versatility makes him a true three-down threat, capable of contributing in various offensive schemes and situations.
The Browns, under the guidance of head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, have clearly identified Judkins as a key addition to their offense. Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel Glenn Cook lauded Judkins as embodying the “brand of football that we want,” emphasizing his strength, physicality, toughness, and all-around productivity. With the uncertainty surrounding the future of veteran running back Nick Chubb, who is currently a free agent, the acquisition of a young and talented back like Judkins injects much-needed dynamism and long-term stability into the Browns’ running back room. He joins a unit that currently includes Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr., and his arrival is expected to create a competitive and potentially explosive backfield.
The fit in Cleveland appears to be mutually beneficial. The Browns’ offensive line, when healthy, has consistently ranked among the league’s best, creating opportunities for running backs to thrive. Judkins’ powerful running style and ability to find creases should complement the line’s strengths. Moreover, Stefanski’s offensive system, which often incorporates a strong running game and utilizes running backs in the passing attack, seems tailor-made for Judkins’ diverse skillset. He has the potential to become a focal point of the Browns’ offense, providing a consistent ground game to complement their passing attack and control the tempo of games, particularly in the rugged AFC North.
Judkins’ transition to the professional level will undoubtedly come with its adjustments. The speed and complexity of the NFL game are a significant step up from college. He will need to continue to refine his pass-blocking techniques and learn the nuances of NFL defenses. However, his track record of success against top-tier college competition, coupled with his physical tools and football IQ, suggests that he has the potential to develop into a high-impact player in the league.
The Buckeye pipeline to Cleveland continues to flow, with Judkins becoming the seventh former Ohio State player currently on the Browns’ roster, joining the likes of Denzel Ward, Jerome Baker, Mike Hall Jr., Ronnie Hickman, Dawand Jones, and Luke Wypler. This existing Buckeye connection could aid in Judkins’ acclimation to his new team and city.
As Quinshon Judkins embarks on his NFL journey in Cleveland, the excitement is palpable. Browns fans are eager to witness the power and explosiveness he brings to their backfield, while Buckeye faithful will undoubtedly follow his progress with pride. The selection of Judkins represents not only a significant addition for the Cleveland Browns but also another proud moment for the Ohio State football program, showcasing the caliber of talent it continues to produce for the highest level of the game. The future in Cleveland looks bright for this former Buckeye star, and the anticipation for what he can achieve in the NFL is already building.
