Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins announces plans to transfer
Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins (4) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Monroe in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. The much-anticipated matchup in Saturday’s Peach Bowl is No. 10 Penn State’s top-ranked defense against No. 11 Mississippi’s up-tempo offense. Credit: AP/Thomas Graning
OXFORD, Miss. — Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins is entering the transfer portal after opening his college career with two 1,000-yard seasons.
The Rebels' sophomore star announced his decision Thursday on X.
“After long talks with my family and hard prayer, I have decided to enter the transfer portal,” Judkins posted. “This decision to enter the transfer portal was not made lightly but I believe it is the best decision for my personal and athletic growth.”
Judkins helped lead Ole Miss to its first 11-win season and a Peach Bowl victory over Penn State. Players who participated in New Year's Six or College Football Playoff games were granted extra time to make decisions on entering the portal.
Judkins' name had not appeared in the portal as of early Thursday afternoon.
The Pike Road, Alabama, native has run for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Rebels. He ran for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore, producing another 149 yards and two scores on 22 catches.
Slowed by injury early in the season, Judkins didn't top 60 yards in the first four games but then ran for 177 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries against LSU.
Penn State linebacker Kobe King (41) tackles Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins (4) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Atlanta. Credit: AP/Brynn Anderson
His 1,567 rushing yards in 2022 represented the second-most by a freshman in SEC history, earning him first-team All-Southeastern Conference and newcomer of the year honors from The Associated Press. Georgia's Herschel Walker gained 1,616 yards in 1980.
Judkins ran for 225 yards on 62 carries in his final two games, wins over Mississippi State and Penn State.
