Wild possibility exists where the Ohio State Buckeyes could get Browns draft pick Quinshon Judkins back for their 2025 season
What a turn of events that would be for the Buckeyes.
The Ohio State Buckeyes had 14 players drafted back in April, all of whom are now suiting up for their first NFL season — well, for the most part.
Ohio State lost both running backs, TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, as second-round picks, leaving the Buckeyes with an almost entirely new backfield this season.
However, there’s a wild scenario where that might not have to be the case. Judkins remains the only draft pick yet to sign his rookie contract, and there’s a chance — however slim — that he could return to college. The NFL’s investigation into the allegation of domestic violence against Judkins is ongoing.
Quinshon Judkins back to Ohio State? It’s possible.
As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk pointed out, the door hasn’t been completely closed on the idea:
“NCAA rules remain under siege as antitrust violations. Last week, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to four West Virginia players who had been denied an eligibility waiver for 2025. For Judkins, the issue isn’t whether he has lingering eligibility; it’s whether he can use it after declaring for the draft and being drafted. If the player never signs an NFL contract (and Judkins has not), why shouldn’t he be able to return to college? The NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement contemplates the possibility of a player returning to school after the draft. While not binding on the NCAA, it shows that it shouldn’t be viewed as an impossibility.” – Mike Florio
Ohio State is moving forward with James Peoples and West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson as its top two backs, while freshman Bo Jackson is expected to slot in as the No. 3 option — though it’s unclear how much he’ll see the field. Judkins would immediately become the Buckeyes’ feature back if he were somehow added back to the roster. Any return of this kind would be unprecedented.
While unlikely, the possibility remains that Judkins could shock everyone and head back to Columbus. After rushing for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, he’d certainly be welcomed with open arms.
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