College football is a game of hypotheticals, but one ‘what-if’ haunts Lane Kiffin more than any other. With a solid 10-3 record at the end of the 2024 season, the question plagued Oxford: What if Quinshon Judkins had stayed? With Kiffin coaching, the Rebels triumphed in another bowl game and had a winning SEC record by the end of 2024. But that success felt hollow to Kiffin after witnessing Judkins’ riotous run in the Natty on January 20. Judkins wasn’t just another piece; he was the engine of the Buckeyes offense. Given that, feeling regret is understandable. Now, with Judkins at OSU, Kiffin probably can’t help but reminisce about what could have been.

Quinshon Judkins is making headlines again, and this time it’s not for another jaw-dropping season but for his decision to leave college early for the NFL. ESPN’s Pete Thamel broke the news that the standout running back has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Ole Miss coach even shared the news on Instagram, captioning, “what an amazing career!!! Gonna make some NFL team really happy!!!” The bittersweet post had fans buzzing, leaving plenty to unpack about Judkins’ journey and its ripple effects.

For Kiffin, the loss of Judkins might sting a little more than usual. Judkins, a three-star recruit out of Alabama, quickly proved his doubters wrong. In 2022, his freshman season, he racked up 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns on 274 carries. In 2023, he added another 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the SEC in rushing scores in both years. But then came the twist: Judkins transferred to Ohio State, where he helped Ryan Day’s team secure a national championship, leaving Ole Miss fans and Kiffin with a bitter aftertaste.

The transfer added fuel to online debates. Former USC Trojans star LenDale White chimed in on X, bragging about having more touchdowns than both Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Kiffin’s response? “In less game.” Fans had mixed reactions to his jab, but one thing became clear—losing Judkins had left a noticeable void.

At Ohio State, Judkins shared the backfield with Henderson, finishing the season with 1,060 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns. The numbers speak volumes, leaving NFL analysts convinced Judkins will be a hot commodity. Predicted to go in the Top 50, Judkins is ranked as the fifth overall RB by Mel Kiper Jr. His college stats, combined with his consistency, all but guarantee a strong draft pick in April.

As for Judkins, well, let’s just say he’s keeping things classy!

Quinshon Judkins’ journey to the NFL is filled with gratitude

Lane Kiffin might be publicly praising Quinshon Judkins’ success at Ohio State now, but let’s be honest, it wasn’t always this rosy. Remember those rumors swirling around Oxford earlier this year? Whispers of locker room issues, whispers of a player who wasn’t exactly a team player. Well, those whispers seem to have faded into distant echoes.

Now, Kiffin is reposting a glowing review of Judkins’ dominance. It’s almost like he’s trying to convince everyone that he always knew Judkins was destined for greatness. But here’s the thing: Judkins seems to be grateful for his time in Oxford, acknowledging the role Ole Miss and Kiffin played in his development.

“To my teammates from Ohio State and Ole Miss, this journey doesn’t start or end without you. You will forever be my brother, and I am grateful to have shared this journey with you,” Judkins said in his announcement. That’s a classy move, a testament to his character.

And let’s not forget his heartfelt message to Buckeye Nation: “To Buckeye Nation, thank you for taking in a kid from Alabama and continually showing your support. I am forever a Buckeye and will carry my time spent on campus and playing at the Shoe with me for a lifetime.”

It’s clear that Judkins has embraced his time in Columbus, culminating in a national championship victory and three touchdowns against Notre Dame. “Winning a national championship was the best way to end this journey, and I am excited for the next step in my football career,” he said.

Judkins isn’t the only Buckeye making the leap to the NFL. TreVeyon Henderson, another talented running back, and the electrifying wide receiver Emeka Egbuka are also entering the draft. And let’s be real, Judkins and Henderson are likely to be early-round picks. They’re two of the most exciting running back prospects in this year’s draft class.

Now, all eyes are on the NFL Draft in April. Will Judkins live up to the hype?