Eric Boggs
Ohio State fans had plenty to celebrate during the 2025 NFL Draft, as three key contributors to the Buckeyes’ national championship run found new homes in the NFL. JT Tuimoloau, Quinshon Judkins, and TreVeyon Henderson all came off the board early, further proving the strength of Ohio State’s program and the caliber of talent developed in Columbus.
JT Tuimoloau, the sack leader from Ohio State’s 2024 national title team, was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 45th overall pick in the second round. His selection marked the seventh Buckeye taken within the first 45 picks of the draft, tying the program record for most players drafted in the first two rounds. Projected as an early second-rounder, Tuimoloau fulfilled expectations and now joins a defensive line that already includes former Buckeye standout Tyquan Lewis. Tuimoloau, who arrived in Columbus as the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, lived up to the immense hype during his time with the Buckeyes. Over 55 career games, he amassed 144 tackles, 45 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. His 12.5 sacks in 2024 led the team and played a crucial role in securing Ohio State’s first championship in a decade. Big Ten rivals, especially Penn State, will surely be relieved to see Tuimoloau move on, as he tormented them for four straight seasons, highlighted by a career-defining performance in 2022 at Happy Valley.
Meanwhile, Quinshon Judkins will remain in the state of Ohio as he begins his professional career. The Cleveland Browns selected the former Buckeye running back with the 36th overall pick. Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss and spent just one season at Ohio State, made an immediate and lasting impact. Pairing with TreVeyon Henderson to form one of the nation’s most dangerous backfields, Judkins rushed for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns on 194 carries. His best performance came on the biggest stage, running for 100 yards and scoring three total touchdowns in Ohio State’s championship game victory over Notre Dame. Judkins’ story on draft night was unforgettable too, as he momentarily missed the Browns’ call while grabbing lemonade, only for his mother to answer and deliver the life-changing news. Judkins joins a strong Buckeye presence in Cleveland, becoming the seventh Ohio State player currently on the Browns’ roster.
TreVeyon Henderson didn’t have to wait long after Judkins to hear his name called. Selected 38th overall by the New England Patriots, Henderson capped a tremendous career at Ohio State that included 3,761 rushing yards, 42 rushing touchdowns, and 853 receiving yards over four seasons. As one of four captains on the 2024 national championship team, Henderson delivered big plays all season, including a 75-yard touchdown reception against Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals. After choosing to return to Ohio State for his senior year instead of entering the 2024 draft, Henderson not only improved his draft stock but also helped bring another title back to Columbus. His selection by New England marks the first time a Buckeye has been drafted by the Patriots since Nate Ebner in 2012.
With six Buckeyes selected in the top 40 picks, including two running backs in the first two rounds—a feat not seen at Ohio State since 1994—the 2025 draft was a clear statement: Ohio State remains a powerhouse both on the field and in preparing players for the next level. As Buckeye Nation looks ahead to the next college football season, fans can take pride in watching their former stars shine on Sundays.
