Ohio State star Quinshon Judkins is visiting two NFL teams that most of Buckeye Nation wouldn’t mind seeing him end up with

Quinshon Judkins is one of the most electrifying and talented running backs in college football today. With his remarkable ability to break tackles, elude defenders, and make big plays on the ground, he has earned significant attention from NFL scouts and fans alike. While Judkins is currently a star for the Ole Miss Rebels, the Ohio State Buckeyes and their fans have been keeping a close eye on his career, hoping that he may eventually end up playing in the NFL for a team that would suit his talents perfectly. Recent reports indicate that Judkins is set to visit two NFL teams that would make Buckeye Nation proud, and it has sparked conversations and speculation about where he might land in the upcoming NFL Draft.

For the sake of this discussion, we’ll dive into the two NFL teams that are reportedly courting Quinshon Judkins and analyze why Buckeye fans would have no problem with him joining either of these franchises. We’ll explore Judkins’ potential fit, the strengths of these teams, and how they align with the Buckeye fanbase’s hopes for his future.

1. The Cleveland Browns: A Local Hero’s Return?

The Cleveland Browns are one of the two NFL teams reportedly interested in Quinshon Judkins, and this is a team that would undoubtedly excite a large portion of the Ohio State fanbase. While Cleveland is not technically part of Buckeye Nation’s heartland (Columbus holds that title), the proximity of the Browns to Ohio State creates a unique connection between the two organizations. Quinshon Judkins hails from the state of Mississippi, but playing for the Browns would allow him to continue his career in a place with deep ties to the Buckeyes.

The Browns’ Running Back Situation:

The Browns have had a complex history at the running back position in recent years, with a mixture of success and frustration. While they have had standout performances from players like Nick Chubb, there have also been concerns regarding their running back depth. The Browns are known for their ability to develop dynamic running backs and have long been a team that emphasizes a strong ground game. This makes them an ideal fit for a player like Judkins, who thrives in both between-the-tackles running and making big plays outside.

As of now, the Browns are led by Nick Chubb, one of the top running backs in the NFL, but Chubb is entering the later stages of his career, and injury concerns are always a factor for running backs. This could open the door for Quinshon Judkins to come in as a potential second-back behind Chubb, where he could learn from one of the best while still contributing in a meaningful way. With Judkins’ ability to catch passes out of the backfield and his knack for breaking tackles, he would bring a new dimension to Cleveland’s offense.

The Ohio State Factor:

For Buckeye Nation, having Quinshon Judkins playing for the Cleveland Browns would be a source of pride. Not only would they be able to follow his career closely due to the proximity of the team, but they would also appreciate the symbolic connection between Ohio State and Cleveland. The Browns have always had a strong presence in Ohio, and for Buckeye fans, having a talented, dynamic player like Judkins in the backfield would feel like a natural extension of the state’s football culture.

Judkins has always been a player that embodies the hard-nosed, physical football style that Ohio State fans love. His combination of speed, power, and vision would make him a perfect fit in the NFL’s North Division, which is known for its rugged, ground-and-pound style of play. Whether he’s running between the tackles, taking a toss sweep to the outside, or catching a screen pass, Judkins would quickly become a fan favorite in Cleveland. Moreover, the opportunity for Ohio State fans to watch him perform on Sundays would only increase their admiration for his talents and build excitement around the team.

Cleveland’s Playoff Contenders:

In addition to the fit on the field, there is another factor that makes Cleveland an attractive destination for Judkins: the team’s playoff aspirations. The Browns have shown promise in recent seasons and are poised to contend for a playoff spot. With quarterback Deshaun Watson leading the offense and an improved defense, the Browns have the potential to make some noise in the postseason. Judkins could be a key piece in their pursuit of a championship, giving Buckeye fans an extra reason to cheer for the Browns on Sundays.

2. The Cincinnati Bengals: The Ohio Rivalry

The Cincinnati Bengals are the second team reportedly courting Quinshon Judkins, and while the Bengals are technically a rival of Ohio State (since they’re based in the same state), they still offer an intriguing opportunity for Judkins. The Bengals have become one of the NFL’s premier teams in recent years, thanks in large part to the emergence of quarterback Joe Burrow and a high-powered offense. As a team with aspirations of winning a Super Bowl, the Bengals could certainly use a talented running back like Judkins to complete their offensive attack.

The Bengals’ Offensive Potential:

Unlike the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals are an offensive juggernaut. With weapons like wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, running back Joe Mixon, and quarterback Joe Burrow, Cincinnati has one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. However, there is always room for improvement, especially at the running back position. While Joe Mixon is a solid back, his inconsistency and injury history have left fans wondering whether the Bengals could benefit from an upgrade.

Quinshon Judkins would bring a fresh dynamic to the Bengals’ offense. His ability to be a dual-threat running back — capable of running between the tackles and contributing in the passing game — would make him a valuable asset in Cincinnati’s offense. With Burrow at the helm, a back like Judkins could make the offense even more explosive, offering Burrow another reliable weapon to pair with his elite receiving corps. The addition of Judkins could help balance the Bengals’ attack and take some of the pressure off Burrow, especially in critical moments during games.

Ohio’s Football Identity:

Even though the Bengals are Ohio’s “other” NFL team (the one that isn’t the Cleveland Browns), there is still a strong sense of pride in Ohio about Cincinnati’s success. For Buckeye fans, the idea of Quinshon Judkins donning a Bengals jersey may be an unexpected turn of events, but it wouldn’t be a hard pill to swallow. Cincinnati, like Cleveland, is part of the Ohio football fabric, and watching a Buckeye star thrive in a Bengals uniform would still feel like a victory for the state’s football culture.

Moreover, the fact that the Bengals are Super Bowl contenders makes them a more appealing destination for a player like Judkins. Being part of a championship-contending team with a star-studded offense would provide Judkins the opportunity to showcase his skills on the biggest stage. Buckeye fans, who are no strangers to the thrill of watching players from Ohio State shine in the NFL, would likely take pride in watching Judkins add his name to that list of success stories.

Cincinnati’s Winning Window:

The Bengals are in their prime window of contention, with Burrow still on his rookie deal and a strong supporting cast around him. The team’s window to win a Super Bowl is wide open, and adding a dynamic running back like Judkins could be the missing piece to put them over the top. If Quinshon Judkins were to end up in Cincinnati, he would have a legitimate chance to contribute to a Super Bowl-winning team, which would only increase his stock and legacy in Ohio.

A Bright Future Ahead for Quinshon Judkins

In conclusion, the possibility of Quinshon Judkins joining either the Cleveland Browns or the Cincinnati Bengals would excite Buckeye Nation, and for good reason. Both teams present excellent opportunities for Judkins to continue developing as one of the NFL’s top running backs, while also contributing to successful, playoff-contending teams.

For Ohio State fans, the idea of a player with the skill set and talent of Quinshon Judkins playing at the highest level in their home state is something that they can all rally behind, regardless of whether it’s in Cleveland or Cincinnati. As we continue to watch Judkins’ journey from college football star to NFL prospect, one thing is clear: no matter where he ends up, his talents will be a joy to watch — and Buckeye Nation will be cheering for him every step of the way.

Quinshon Judkins’ future in the NFL is incredibly bright, and whether it’s in the AFC North with the Browns or Bengals or elsewhere, there’s no doubt that this rising star will make an immediate impact on the league. For now, all Ohio State fans can do is watch eagerly, hoping that he lands in a spot where he will thrive and continue to make his mark in the world of professional football.