No Rest for the Victorious: Ohio State Faces Big Decisions Post-National Championship

Winning a national championship is the pinnacle of college football, but for Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day, the work is far from over. While celebrating their triumph, the Buckeyes must also navigate the challenges that success inevitably brings—players contemplating their future, NFL draft stock soaring, and the ever-looming presence of the college football transfer portal.

One of the most significant questions facing Ohio State in 2025 is the future of their running back group, which could look drastically different by next season. Both TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, key contributors to the Buckeyes’ championship run, are projected as potential 2025 NFL draft picks.

Henderson, who has dazzled with his explosiveness and versatility, is considered the more highly touted draft prospect of the two. However, Judkins, who transferred to Ohio State from Ole Miss, also faces a pivotal decision. His impact on the field has been undeniable, and his draft potential has risen following the Buckeyes’ title-winning season.

According to Spencer Holbrook of Lettermen Row, Judkins is leaning toward declaring for the draft. Holbrook notes the physical toll the running back position takes, particularly given Judkins’ heavy workload during his two years at Ole Miss, where he logged over 270 carries in back-to-back seasons.

“He has a lot of wear and tear on his body,” Holbrook wrote. “Getting to the NFL before he takes more hits, and after he won a national title with the Buckeyes, would be wise.”

Judkins’ journey to Ohio State was one of the biggest storylines of last offseason. His decision to leave Ole Miss and join the Buckeyes via the transfer portal paid off in a big way, culminating in a national title. But now, the question remains: will he stay in Columbus to potentially bolster his NIL earnings, or will he seize the opportunity to enter the NFL draft?

On3.com estimates Judkins’ NIL value at a whopping $794,000, a figure that could serve as a compelling reason for him to return for another season. For Ohio State, retaining Judkins would not only bolster their backfield but also ensure continuity as they aim to defend their title in 2025.

For head coach Ryan Day, these are the kinds of decisions that come with the territory of leading a championship-winning program. The Buckeyes’ success on the field inevitably attracts attention from both the NFL and other programs looking to poach talent through the transfer portal.

While the national title is cause for celebration, the offseason ahead could define Ohio State’s ability to sustain its winning ways. Whether Henderson and Judkins choose to stay or go, one thing is certain: Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are already hard at work preparing for the challenges ahead.

Ohio State fans will eagerly await the decisions of their star players, knowing that each choice could significantly impact the program’s future. For now, the Buckeyes can savor their championship, but the grind of college football never truly stops.