The Ohio State Buckeyes surged ahead of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the National Championship thanks to a determined rushing touchdown by Quinshon Judkins.
Ohio State’s offense set the tone early with an impressive 11-play, 75-yard opening drive, culminating in a touchdown grab by freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith. The defense followed suit, stifling Notre Dame’s initial possession and setting the stage for another productive drive. This time, it was Judkins who broke through, finding the end zone to give the Buckeyes a pivotal lead.
QUINSHON JUDKINS WITH A GROWN MAN TOUCHDOWN 😮💨
STIFF ARM 💪 pic.twitter.com/KGqtbCPRZ2
— ESPN (@espn) January 21, 2025
Judkins and Henderson: The Dynamic Duo
Judkins has been an integral part of Ohio State’s explosive offense this season. The former Ole Miss standout entered the championship game with 960 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 183 carries, forming a lethal backfield tandem with veteran running back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson, who also surpassed the 900-yard rushing mark this season, has been equally critical to the Buckeyes’ success.
The pair’s standout performances have garnered significant attention from NFL scouts, with both backs projected as late first-round or early second-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Alongside Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Judkins and Henderson are strong contenders to be among the top running backs selected in this year’s draft class.
Will Howard Shines Early
Quarterback Will Howard complemented the Buckeyes’ ground game with a flawless start to the championship. Over the first two drives, Howard completed all nine of his pass attempts for 82 yards, showcasing poise and precision under the spotlight. His chemistry with Smith was evident, as the star freshman contributed two receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown during Ohio State’s opening possessions.
Buckeyes Dominate Early
Ohio State’s balanced attack—a combination of Judkins’ gritty runs, Henderson’s consistency, and Howard’s sharp passing—has been instrumental in their early dominance. The offensive line deserves credit as well, creating ample space for the backs while keeping Howard upright against a fierce Notre Dame defense.
As the game unfolds, the Buckeyes will look to maintain their momentum and secure their first national title in a decade. With their stars firing on all cylinders, Ohio State has positioned itself as the team to beat in Atlanta.
