Is Quinshon Judkins or TreVeyon Henderson The Starting Running Back for Ohio State?

Ohio State opens up the 2024 season on August 31 against Akron in Columbus. After seeing many draft-eligible stars return for their senior year, Ryan Day hit the transfer portal to add to a star-studded roster.

Likely starting quarterback Will Howard (Kansas State), safety Caleb Downs (Alabama), and center Seth McLaughlin (Alabama) were just a few of the names that will make their Buckeye debuts in Week 1.

One of the biggest additions to the Ohio State roster was somewhat of a surprise, as former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins opted to transfer to Columbus after recording 2,725 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns over two seasons in Oxford. With incumbent running back TreVeyon Henderson still on the roster, who will lead the Buckeye rushing attack in 2024?

Who Is Ohio State’s Starting Running Back in 2024?

TreVeyon Henderson broke out as a true freshman in the scarlet and gray, rushing for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns as the starter. He was regarded as one of the nation’s top running backs heading into his sophomore campaign, but dealt with injuries and only ran for 571 yards and six scores.

As a junior, Henderson was healthier than he was as a sophomore as he ran for 926 yards and 11 touchdowns. He regained his freshman season explosiveness and was always a threat to go the distance with the ball in his hands, but still missed three games. 

With the transfer portal, Ohio State lost all running back depth. Chip Trayanum, who spelled Henderson when he was hurt, headed to Kentucky. Miyan Williams attempted to go professional, and Dallan Hayden transferred to Colorado. The exodus forced Ryan Day to turn to the transfer portal where he found not only a capable backup running back but arguably the best running back in the nation.

Ohio State running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins were named on Tuesday to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding running back. https://t.co/YkAjen9RxD pic.twitter.com/bfrEdSpJL8

— Buckeye Sports Bulletin (@OhioStateBSB) August 6, 2024

Quinshon Judkins burst onto the scene as a true freshman, rushing for 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns as the focal point of Ole Miss’ offense. His numbers slightly regressed to 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore, but it was still evident that he was among the nation’s elite at the position. When he entered the portal, Day saw an opportunity to boast one of the greatest running back rooms of all time.

While Henderson has been considered the starting running back since his freshman season, he has missed significant time due to injuries throughout his collegiate career. Bringing in a running back with Judkins’ experience and talent was a no-brainer, and retaining Henderson throughout that process shows how bought-in this team is.

The fact of the matter here is that whoever is the “starter” Week 1 and beyond really does not matter. With the college football season elongated with expanded playoffs, keeping everybody fresh will be the top priority. We will more than likely see an equal dosage of both running backs throughout the entire season, as they are arguably the two best running backs in college football. 

If Day does name a starter, Henderson likely has the edge given his longevity within the program. It is a possibility that he doesn’t even name a starter and that the two rotate starting games throughout the year. One thing is for certain -- these running backs are both due for impactful seasons.

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