Judkins enters the 2025 NFL draft as one of the most essential running back prospects after gaining experience from two standout college football programs: Ole Miss and Ohio State. The highlight, of course, was winning the national championship with the Buckeyes. Judkins was among a list of galacticos in a star-studded offense led by Will Howard. Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and TreVeyon Henderson.
In the 2024 season, the running back racked up 1060 rushing yards on 194 carries in just 16 games. Why waste round numbers when you can make defensive coordinators question their life choices every Saturday? With 5.5 yards per attempt, he had 14 rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility. His 22 receptions for 161 yards were great, and he didn’t fumble any, demonstrating his ball security skills.
It’s no surprise that the offense ran through every defense they faced in the playoffs. Gathering massive leads and finishing the games in the first half, the whole campaign was one for the ages. For the players, the moments on the field get magnified when they see the support from outside the field. The support from the fans carries them through tough moments. Some special fans make the victories even more enjoyable.
The Buckeyes have had that special fan in LeBron James. Picture this: A 6-foot-9-inch basketball deity, a suburban dad draped in scarlet, screams at referees like he just discovered his kid’s Pop Warner coach runs the wishbone. Former Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins casually exposed his latest chapter in this cross-sport bromance.
Imagine one day, your favorite basketball player comes out and says he is your team’s fanboy. Quinshon Judkins is feeling that way right now. “LeBron James is a fan of you. What is that like to have LeBron James as an Ohio State fanboy?” Judkins was asked by Kay Adams, host of the Up & Adams show, on the 18th of April. I mean, LeBron James being your Fan! Judkins scored another touchdown in Ohio State’s commanding first half against Notre Dame in the 2025 CFP championship game. LeBron, visibly energized, cheered the team with fervor.
Lebron’s love for OSU runs so deep, OSU RB Quinshon Judkins says he was hooking the team up with cleats and other merch. @heykayadams | @quinshon_ | @KingJames pic.twitter.com/5sBVPPshUf
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 18, 2025
“Every week, he was sending different LeBron stuff, and it’s like we get LeBron cleats and LeBron shirts.” In the CFP title game suites, King James played Nike Claus, gifting the Buckeyes’ star RB and team with special cleats, swag, and Oprah-themed scarlet-and-gray attire. LeBron’s involvement in crafting Judkins’ cleats adds intrigue. Speculations vary from manual stitching to strategic branding. Regardless, Judkins’ outstanding performance now seems linked to wearing exclusive LeBron prototypes.
LeBron’s lifelong Ohio ties from Akron to Atlanta
LeBron James avidly backs Ohio State football; after the Lakers victory, he watches Buckeyes matches on his laptop and with his teammates on Instagram. The Rose Bowl considered renaming itself “LeBron James Memorial Watch Party” due to his recent playoff support. Despite his achievements, why does he continue to support college players?
First of all, LeBron is Akron’s prodigal son. Before choosing basketball as his career path, he was one of the top football players in the state of Ohio. LeBron has never missed an opportunity to remind the world that, in his heart, he’s always been a Buckeye.
On January 21st, a video of LeBron cheering for Judkins after his second touchdown was posted on Twitter by Complex Sports. It was captioned, “Just a Kid from Akron.” The moment was very heart-touching for all the sports lovers, as even after being named ‘King James,’ he didn’t forget his roots.
Seeing the Buckeyes win the championship motivates him to pursue additional banners for the Lakers. It shows that even the NBA’s superstars require a little college football magic to maintain their competitive edge. And don’t forget the family factor: with his son Bronny showing interest in Ohio State, LeBron’s Buckeye allegiance is now a multi-generational marketing opportunity.
The post OSU’s Quinshon Judkins Reveals Rare LeBron James Side to Return Favor After NBA Star’s Playoff Show of Support appeared first on EssentiallySports.
