Ohio State’s deadly Running Back combination of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins is the best in all of College Football. 

The Ohio State Buckeyes are off to a quick 2-0 start which is surprising to absolutely nobody, well, at least to Buckeye fans. The team started off slow in game one but cruised to a big victory. They then earned a shutout victory in game two, after an explosion of points to start the game.

Running Back Duo Continues to Impress

Many questions have gotten some answers surrounding this team, with a few left to be desired. However, any doubts about the running back committee working together in unison have been shut down after the start of the season.

As the competition gets better and the games get closer, the running back duo and room as a whole will be leaned upon more and more. However, let’s enjoy what we have right now and look back at the start the players have had the first two weeks.

TreVeyon Henderson

The scarlet and gray started slow and finished fast against Akron to kick off the new-look 2024 college football season. Senior running back and captain TreVeyon Henderson was the only running back out of the top three to not find the endzone, but showed flashes of his old self.

He took his eight carries in the game for 65 yards, good for a very impressive 8.1 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 18 yards from quarterback Will Howard.

The TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins duo is gonna be remembered as one of the most elite college football has ever seen. pic.twitter.com/dWCxtEj26E

— Jon “JR” Rhoades (@jrs_rankings) September 8, 2024

In his most recent outing against Western Michigan, he found the endzone twice for his first two touchdowns of his senior campaign. Henderson did well with his touches yet again, with 66 rushing yards on 10 carries.

He continues to be the lead running back and leader of the room, and as the season goes on, the running backs will continue to help each other out and keep each other fresh for their carries.

Quinshon Judkins

Junior running back Quinshon Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss during the offseason, has also gotten off to a quick start, especially in week two.

In week one against Akron, it took the running game and offensive line some time to get going. However, Judkins found the endzone for the first points of the second half to build the lead up to 24-3.

Quinshon Judkins does it again! 🔥@OhioStateFB is running away with it 😳 pic.twitter.com/R8dxvKTASV

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 8, 2024

He finished the game with 13 carries for 55 rushing yards and his first touchdown as a Buckeye. In week two against Western Michigan, he had a masterclass on how to take advantage of your touches.

Judkins showcased his skill set en route to 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. A penalty negated him from having a third touchdown, which would have been an 80-yard run into the endzone.

Judkins hasn’t had a catch through two games, so maybe the plays I call for him in CFB25 are yet to be added to Chip Kelly’s playbook. However, nothing to worry about as Judkins continues to showcase his big-play ability and skill set.

James Peoples

When it comes to skill position players, especially at the running back position, you can never have too many. Freshman running back James Peoples has probably had more carries than he expected through two games and has done well with them.

Against Akron, he scored his first touchdown as a Buckeye to end the third quarter and build the lead to 38-6. Peoples finished the contest with 30 yards on six carries and his first touchdown.

Quick comparison after Wk 2.

James Peoples: OSU 3rd string RB
Donavan Edwards: NCAA cover athlete pic.twitter.com/IQJ9APWHNq

— C🅾️🅾️per (@CoopersBucks) September 8, 2024

In the matchup with the Broncos from Western Michigan, Peoples had even more touches as the game got out of hand early. He scored another touchdown and finished the game with 10 carries and 51 rushing yards. Peoples found the endzone late in the third quarter yet again, to make the game a 49-0 contest.

With Henderson and Judkins receiving the workload as the games get tighter, it’s nice to know Peoples is someone who can step in if needed. He will remain the third option for the offense and will have a bigger role next season if he continues this production.

Other Rushers

Freshman Sam Williams-Dixon also got in on the action the first two weeks of the 2024 season. He had his first and only carry against Akron late in the game for four yards. Against Western Michigan, he had three carries for 40 yards, including a nice 31-yard gain. He will be the RB4 behind Peoples in the rotation, and may get some more carries against Marshall if the game is over early again.

Fifth-year quarterback Will Howard, who transferred in from Kansas State, has been known as a dual-threat player who can beat you with his legs. He’s had 19 rushing touchdowns and over 900 rushing yards in his collegiate career with the Wildcats.

His rushing ability has not been displayed too much, as it often hasn’t been needed. The offensive line has played better, especially against Western Michigan, and Howard himself has been able to rest near the end of games.

Howard had four carries in the opener for 18 yards, with a longest rush of 19 yards. In game two he had just one carry for six yards, but that run found the endzone late in the first half as the Buckeyes built the lead up to 35-0.

So far so good for the running back room that has been highly touted as the best in the country all preseason. A steady dose of Henderson and Judkins will be key as the season progresses. 

Mix in a few runs from Howard whether that is designed or extending plays, and the Buckeyes will be in good shape. Add in two freshman studs and the room looks complete thus far. Successful plays in the run will only help Howard and the passing game, so hopefully, this is the start of something special for the running backs and the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes football team.