Ohio State’s Dual-Threat Rushing Attack Faces Notre Dame in CFP Championship

ATLANTA, Ga. — Ohio State‘s dynamic running back duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins will take center stage Monday night as the Buckeyes face Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Both players are on the verge of reaching 1,000 rushing yards for the season, a rare feat that could cement their place in Ohio State history.

Henderson, a junior, has 967 rushing yards this season, while Judkins, a transfer from Ole Miss, has 960. The pair has shared carries nearly equally, with Henderson averaging 64.5 yards per game and Judkins at 64.0. Their balanced production has been a key factor in Ohio State’s success, helping the team reach its first national championship game since 2020.

Judkins, a former standout at Ole Miss, transferred to Ohio State in January 2024 after a stellar sophomore season. He rushed for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023, following a record-breaking freshman year where he amassed 1,567 yards, the second-most by a freshman in SEC history. “A lot of people won’t be happy when you make a decision for yourself,” Judkins said of his transfer, dispelling rumors that it was motivated by name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.

Henderson, meanwhile, has been a consistent force for the Buckeyes, contributing 967 yards and seven touchdowns this season. His 75-yard touchdown reception in the semifinal against Texas showcased his versatility and big-play ability. “Both guys have been major contributors,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “They complement each other well, and we’ll need them both against Notre Dame.”

Notre Dame’s defense presents a formidable challenge. The Irish rank 28th nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 3.67 yards per carry. However, Penn State managed 204 rushing yards against them in the semifinal, offering hope for Ohio State’s ground game. “We know they’re tough, but we have a plan,” Judkins said. “We’re ready to make history.”

If Henderson and Judkins each surpass 1,000 yards, they will join Archie Griffin and Pete Johnson as the only Ohio State running back duo to achieve the feat in the same season. Griffin and Johnson accomplished it in 1975, a year that ended with a national championship for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State enters the game as a 7.5-8.5-point favorite, but the team is not taking anything for granted. “The goal is to win the game,” Day said. “But if we can make some history along the way, that’s just icing on the cake.”