COLUMBUS, OH – In a stunning and deeply concerning development, Quinshon Judkins, the highly touted rookie running back who recently transferred to Ohio State from Ole Miss and was a key part of their National Championship team, has been arrested in Broward County, Florida, and charged with domestic abuse and battery. The news, which broke over the weekend, has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Cleveland Browns organization (who drafted him), and the Ohio State Buckeyes faithful.
According to reports from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office records, Judkins was taken into custody on Saturday afternoon, July 12, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale. The charge is described as “touch or strike/battery/domestic violence,” a misdemeanor offense. He was held overnight and appeared in bond court on Sunday, July 13, where a judge set his bond at $2,500 and ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim and no access to firearms. Judkins has since posted bond and was seen leaving jail on Sunday afternoon, remaining silent when questioned by reporters.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a report of a “delayed battery” around 9 a.m. on Saturday in the 1500 block of West Cypress Creek Road. After speaking with the victim and conducting a preliminary investigation, officers determined that a battery had occurred, leading to Judkins’ arrest.
During Judkins’ bond court hearing on Sunday, his attorney, David Weinstein, argued against the judge’s findings, stating, “Your honor, I think the state’s overstating the facts. It’s alleged that there’s an incident that occurred.” Weinstein further revealed that the alleged incident occurred on July 7, after the victim had left the airport. Critically, the attorney stated that after the alleged battery, the victim reportedly stayed with Judkins in Fort Lauderdale for five additional days and even celebrated her birthday before reporting the incident on Saturday, July 12. Weinstein also questioned the evidence, noting that while the arrest affidavit mentioned photos and bruising, there was “no proof as to when those bruises took place, when the photos were taken.”
No further details regarding the specific circumstances or nature of the alleged battery have been released by law enforcement at this time.
This arrest casts a dark shadow over what was supposed to be the promising start to Judkins’ NFL career.
- Cleveland Browns: Judkins was selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He was acquired by the Browns with the expectation that he would immediately compete for significant carries, especially after Nick Chubb’s departure to the Houston Texans in free agency. The Browns had drafted Judkins to complement Jerome Ford and help rebuild their running back room. A Browns spokesperson issued a statement, saying the team is “aware of the incident and gathering more information.” Rookies for the Browns are scheduled to report to training camp on Friday, July 18. It is currently unclear whether Judkins will be present or able to participate, given his legal situation.
- Unsigned Rookie Contract: A critical factor compounding this situation is that Judkins is the only member of the Browns’ seven-player 2025 draft class who has yet to sign his rookie contract. His unsigned status, reportedly due to ongoing discussions over guaranteed money, now carries even more weight.
- NFL Personal Conduct Policy: Even though he is currently unsigned, Judkins falls under the purview of the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. The league has a strict stance on domestic violence, and even a misdemeanor charge can trigger an investigation and potential discipline, including fines, suspensions, or placement on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. An NFL spokesperson confirmed the league is “aware of the matter but will decline further comment” at this time.
- Public Image and Future Earnings: Beyond any legal or league-mandated consequences, this accusation severely damages Judkins’ public image. For a young player entering the professional ranks, a domestic violence charge can have long-lasting effects on endorsement opportunities, fan perception, and overall marketability.
Before this troubling development, Judkins was celebrated as one of the most dynamic running backs in college football. He began his collegiate career at Ole Miss, where he quickly established himself as a star. In two seasons with the Rebels, he amassed an impressive 2,725 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns on 545 carries.
Ahead of the 2024 college football season, Judkins made a high-profile transfer to The Ohio State University, joining a loaded Buckeyes roster. In his single season at Ohio State, he continued his stellar production, rushing for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was an integral part of the Buckeyes’ run to the National Championship, notably scoring three touchdowns in their victory over the University of Notre Dame in the final. His strong performance at Ohio State further solidified his status as an early-round NFL draft prospect.
For the Cleveland Browns, this incident adds to an unwelcome pattern of off-field scrutiny that has plagued the franchise in recent years. Coming just before the start of training camp, it creates a significant distraction and forces the team to navigate a sensitive public relations crisis. The uncertainty around Judkins’ availability further complicates their plans for the running back position.
For Ohio State University, while Judkins is no longer a student-athlete but an NFL rookie, the arrest of a player who just helped them win a national championship and was a prominent figure reflects poorly on the program. It underscores the ongoing challenges for college football programs in vetting and supporting players, even after they move on to the professional ranks, as their past affiliations remain linked.
The legal process for Quinshon Judkins is now underway. He will face a misdemeanor battery (domestic) charge in Florida. The NFL and the Cleveland Browns will conduct their own investigations into the matter. The outcome of these proceedings will determine the immediate future of his promising, yet now imperiled, professional football career.
