The 2025 running back class isn’t drawing much hype compared to recent years, with many teams hesitant to spend a first-round pick at the position. But amid that uncertainty, former Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins is gaining momentum as a potential Day 1 prospect.
Following a 24-rep bench press showing at Ohio State’s Pro Day, Judkins is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams with top-three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. His rising stock could make him a surprise first-round selection.
Quinshon Judkins Emerges as Intriguing Prospect for Top Teams
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Judkins has visits lined up with several notable teams, including the Broncos, Bengals, Giants, Texans, and Browns.
Schultz announced the news on X: “Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins has several upcoming visits, including the Texans, Broncos, Bengals, Giants, and Browns — while recently completing one with the Cowboys, per sources.”
It appears the Cowboys were the first to bring Judkins in for a visit. The photo he took with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones quickly went viral on social media.
Schultz also shared insight from an NFL scout, saying, “Pretty complete player. Trusts his eyes, finishes every run, and catches passes with ease. The 4.48 should really help him. He’s not a guy who needs to come off the field much.”
Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins has several upcoming visits, including the Texans, Broncos, Bengals, Giants and Browns — while recently completing one with the Cowboys, per sources.
A fast-rising prospect in a deep RB class, one scout told me: “Pretty complete player. Trusts his… pic.twitter.com/v7Qw0D9QYL
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 4, 2025
Judkins — the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2022 when he rushed for 1,567 yard with Ole Miss — consistently delivered throughout his college career. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in all three seasons and totaled 50 touchdowns before declaring for the draft.
He also helped lead Ohio State to a national championship in 2024, finishing as the team’s leading rusher despite the presence of TreVeyon Henderson, who had already been with the Buckeyes for three seasons. Judkins, a 2024 transfer, made an immediate impact.
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, runner up for the Heisman Trophy in 2024, is still expected to be the first running back off the board. PSFN’s 2025 NFL mock draft from Justin Lewis projects him to go No. 6 overall to the Raiders. Omarion Hampton is also expected to land in the first round.
After those two, the next RB off the board could be Iowa State’s Kalen Johnson, Judkins, or Henderson. And with Judkins’ stock rising fast, the order could shift in the coming weeks.
Lewis has the Cowboys selecting Judkins at No. 44 overall in Round 2. That, paired with his viral photo alongside Jerry Jones, has only fueled the speculation surrounding a potential Dallas fit.