Quinshon Judkins Shines in National Championship Game: A Historic 3-Touchdown Performance for Ohio State

In an unforgettable turn of events, Quinshon Judkins, the former Ole Miss running back, put on a scintillating display in the National Championship Game, leading Ohio State to a stunning victory with three touchdowns. It was a night that captivated college football fans, marked by a performance that will go down in history as one of the most thrilling individual efforts in recent championship lore.

The Road to Ohio State

Quinshon Judkins’ journey to the National Championship was an unlikely one. After a standout freshman season at Ole Miss, where he rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 20 touchdowns, Judkins made the surprising decision to transfer to Ohio State during the offseason. The move raised eyebrows, as Ohio State already boasted a deep and talented running back room, but Judkins was determined to test himself at the highest level.

His decision paid off quickly. In training camp, Judkins impressed Ohio State’s coaching staff with his exceptional vision, burst, and power. He was soon named the starter, and as the season progressed, he proved himself to be one of the most dynamic running backs in the nation. By the time the Buckeyes reached the National Championship, Judkins had rushed for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, establishing himself as a key piece of Ohio State’s high-powered offense.

A National Championship Stage

The National Championship Game was set to be an epic showdown between Ohio State and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young and a formidable defense, was widely favored to win, but Ohio State had one major advantage: their offense, spearheaded by Judkins, was firing on all cylinders.

From the opening whistle, it was clear this would be a high-paced and high-stakes contest. The Buckeyes took the field with their star running back at the helm, and Judkins wasted no time asserting his dominance. It only took two series for Judkins to announce his arrival, breaking off a 40-yard run on a counter play that left Alabama’s defense grasping at air. That run set the tone for what was to come.

The First Touchdown: Power and Precision

With Ohio State trailing by three points early in the first quarter, the Buckeyes found themselves facing a critical third-and-short near the Alabama 5-yard line. Coach Ryan Day, confident in Judkins’ ability to find the end zone, dialed up a simple but effective run. Judkins took the handoff from quarterback Kyle McCord, bursting through a hole on the left side of the offensive line.

Judkins showed his unique blend of power and finesse, shaking off an attempted tackle from Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner. He powered forward, using his lower body strength to drag defenders with him before crossing the goal line for the game’s first touchdown. The Buckeyes were on the board, and Judkins had already left his mark.

“I saw a gap, and I just hit it hard,” Judkins said after the game. “I knew we needed that first score, and I was determined to get us in.”

The crowd at the stadium erupted, and Judkins’ performance was beginning to shift the momentum in favor of Ohio State. But this was just the beginning.

The Second Touchdown: The Big Play

In the second quarter, Ohio State faced another critical moment. The game was tied at 14-14, and the Buckeyes were looking to regain the lead. Alabama’s defense, which had been stingy all season long, was beginning to tighten up. But Ohio State had a secret weapon: Quinshon Judkins, who could break the game open in an instant.

On a 2nd-and-7 from the Ohio State 40-yard line, Judkins got the ball again on a stretch play to the right side. Alabama’s defensive line surged toward him, but Judkins showcased his incredible vision and patience, waiting for his blockers to create a lane. As the defense collapsed in on him, Judkins made a quick cut to the inside, found a sliver of daylight, and hit the gas.

He dashed down the sideline, outpacing Alabama’s secondary and leaving defensive backs like Kool-Aid McKinstry and Malachi Moore in his wake. 60 yards later, Judkins crossed the goal line for his second touchdown of the game.

“I just trust my offensive line, and they opened up a perfect lane for me,” Judkins said of his second touchdown. “Once I saw daylight, I knew I had to take advantage.”

The Buckeyes’ sideline erupted as Judkins jogged into the end zone, and Ohio State had regained the lead at 21-14. The play was a statement, showcasing Judkins’ speed and elusiveness. The Alabama defense, known for its toughness, had no answer for the sophomore running back’s game-breaking ability.

The Third Touchdown: Closing the Show

With Ohio State now holding a 28-24 lead late in the third quarter, Alabama was mounting a charge. Bryce Young had orchestrated a beautiful drive, and Alabama seemed poised to reclaim the advantage. But Ohio State’s defense came up with a key stop, forcing a field goal attempt that missed wide left.

With just over five minutes remaining in the game, Ohio State’s offense took over, looking to put the game out of reach. Judkins, who had been a constant presence throughout the night, was ready to seal the deal.

On 3rd-and-3 from Alabama’s 40-yard line, Judkins took the handoff once again, this time running a simple dive play up the middle. He was met at the line of scrimmage by a wall of defenders, but with his trademark burst, Judkins broke through the initial contact and exploded toward the secondary. Alabama’s defense, fatigued after battling him all night, had no answer.

Judkins sprinted toward the end zone, evading a diving tackle attempt from Alabama safety Jordan Battle, and crossed the goal line for his third touchdown of the night. The Buckeyes had extended their lead to 35-24, and the championship was now all but secured.

“I knew we needed to finish strong,” Judkins said. “We worked all season for this moment, and I wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way.”

A Historic Performance

Judkins’ three-touchdown performance was nothing short of historic. He became the first player since 2015 to score three rushing touchdowns in a National Championship Game, and his 150-yard rushing effort was the most by a player in the title game since 2014. His combination of power, speed, and vision left defenders frustrated and helpless throughout the contest.

Ohio State ultimately won the game 38-24, securing its first National Championship since 2015. Judkins was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player, and his performance was the talk of college football for weeks to come.

A Legacy Cemented

Quinshon Judkins’ decision to transfer to Ohio State may have surprised some, but in the end, it was the move that solidified his place in college football history. His three-touchdown performance in the National Championship Game will be remembered as one of the finest individual efforts in the sport’s storied history.

Following the game, Judkins was quick to credit his teammates and coaching staff for their role in the victory. “It’s a team game, and I couldn’t have done it without the offensive line, the coaching staff, and my teammates,” he said. “We all worked so hard to get here, and this is our championship.”

For Ohio State fans, Judkins’ performance will forever be etched in their memories as the moment their team captured the pinnacle of college football. It was a fitting end to a remarkable season for the Buckeyes and a signature moment in the career of one of the game’s most electrifying players.

As Quinshon Judkins walked off the field, the cheers of the Ohio State faithful ringing in his ears, it was clear: his legacy had been forever secured.