Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
© Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned amid controversy. The NFL is currently investigating the running back for potential punishment under the Personal Conduct Policy.
One notable NFL analyst suggested he return to college. That result seems highly unlikely.
The Cleveland Browns drafted Judkins with a second-round pick as a replacement for Nick Chubb. Following a star-studded career at Ole Miss and Ohio State, he was expected to make an immediate impact.
That plan has been put on pause following a charge for misdemeanor domestic battery stemming from an alleged incident involving his girlfriend.
While he no longer faces criminal charges due to a lack of evidence, the league could still opt to suspend him.
Quinshon Judkins’ future is unclear.
“This incident was not captured on any video surveillance,” a memo read. “There are no independent witnesses to the incident.
“Although the victim had photos showing injuries sustained, there were also videos in that same time frame where no injuries were observed to the victim. Additionally, the victim’s injuries depicted in the photos could be explained by either account of the incident.
“Finally, there was a delayed report of the incident. The delay is problematic as the victim was alone on numerous occasions without the Defendant, had the ability and resources to make the report without his knowledge, but chose not to do so.”
Despite being cleared in a legal sense, the Browns refuse to make a deal. There’s is still a chance that he’s suspended.
That, on top of a prior holdout, has forced the organization to proceed with caution.
Can he return to college?
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggests it’s a possibility, though it goes against NCAA rule.
Exhausted eligibility is not the issue. Quinshon Judkins played just three college seasons. Still, he surrendered his playing status at the NCAA level by entering the NFL Draft.
Per NCAA rule:
You may enter the NFL Draft one time during your collegiate career without jeopardizing your eligibility; provided you are not drafted by any team and you declare your intention to resume intercollegiate participation within 72 hours following the NFL’s draft declaration date.
Judkins was drafted, renouncing his eligibility. He also participated in the NFL Combine, which is a no-no.
The NFL Combine occurs from February 27 through March 4, 2024, which is after the deadline for withdrawing from the NFL Draft. Only student-athletes who have committed to entering the NFL Draft can participate in the NFL Combine.
That would indicate that the running back’s chances for returning to college are slim, if not impossible. Still, Florio believes Judkins has a case should he choose to take the NCAA head on.
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.
-Mike Florio
Florio’s suggestion is largely based on “what-ifs.” He implies that since the college football landscape is currently undergoing massive change, Judkins would have a legitimate gripe.
That return makes little sense on either end.
Quinshon Judkins would be jeopardizing his professional career. College programs might not be jumping at the chance to sign the ball carrier given his current status with the NFL, as well as the timing of the 2025 NCAA season.
If he were to return to college, albeit with a judge’s ruling, the Browns would retain his contractual rights. If he didn’t sign with Cleveland at all, he could then re-enter the ’26 NFL Draft.
Given the circumstances, he’s probably better off waiting out the NFL ruling as opposed to searching for a new home at the college level. He’s no longer facing charges. The league may hand down a suspension, but if he can agree to terms with a professional organization, it’s likely his best option.