COLUMBUS, Ohio — Star running back Quinshon Judkins from Ohio State, who made a significant impact by scoring three touchdowns in the national championship game, has decided to leave college early to declare for the NFL draft.

Judkins took to social media on Friday to share his announcement, expressing, “I will always be a Buckeye, and I will cherish the time I spent on campus and competing at the Shoe for the rest of my life.” He further remarked, “Winning a national championship was the perfect way to conclude this chapter, and I’m eager to embrace the next phase of my football journey.”

After transferring from Ole Miss, Judkins showcased his skills at Ohio State, where he is projected to be chosen on the second day of the draft in April. His standout performance came in the matchup against Notre Dame, where he recorded 100 rushing yards on 11 attempts and added two touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed to the passing game with two receptions for 21 yards and another touchdown.

For the season, Judkins amassed impressive statistics with 1,060 rushing yards and 161 receiving yards, totaling 16 touchdowns, while sharing the backfield with TreVeyon Henderson. His college career began at Ole Miss, where he excelled with 3,004 yards from scrimmage and 34 touchdowns over two seasons.