Former Ohio State Star Running Back Quinshon Judkins Arrested in Florida on Domestic Violence and Battery Charges, Shocking College Football World

Quinshon Judkins, a former Ohio State standout and one of college football’s most promising young running backs in recent memory, was arrested Saturday in Broward County, Florida, and charged with domestic violence and battery. The shocking development sent ripples throughout the college football community and left many fans, coaches, and former teammates grappling with the serious allegations levied against the 20-year-old star.

According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Judkins was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following a reported altercation at a private residence in Fort Lauderdale. Deputies responded to a 911 call at approximately 3:47 p.m. local time. Upon arriving at the scene, officers reported observing signs of physical confrontation and detained Judkins without incident. The victim, who has not been publicly identified, sustained minor injuries but declined hospitalization. Judkins was booked into the county detention facility shortly after 6:00 p.m. and remained in custody overnight before being released on bail Sunday morning.

The arrest affidavit, which became public early Monday, details that Judkins was involved in a verbal altercation that escalated into physical violence. Witnesses reportedly heard shouting and what sounded like objects being thrown prior to authorities arriving. Police indicated that surveillance footage from a nearby security camera corroborated elements of the victim’s version of events. Judkins faces charges of misdemeanor battery and domestic violence, which, under Florida law, carry potential penalties ranging from probation and mandatory counseling to up to one year in jail if convicted.

Judkins, who originally began his college career at Ole Miss, transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2024 season. The bruising running back was a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal, bringing with him a reputation as a relentless rusher with elite vision and physicality. At Ole Miss, Judkins amassed over 2,700 yards and 31 touchdowns in two seasons, earning All-SEC honors and establishing himself as one of the nation’s premier backs. His 2023 campaign was particularly dominant, finishing among the SEC’s top three rushers and earning him recognition as a Doak Walker Award semifinalist.

His move to Ohio State was viewed as a game-changing addition for the Buckeyes’ offense, which was looking to reload following several key departures. Despite sharing snaps in a crowded backfield, Judkins provided critical depth and power in short-yardage situations. He rushed for over 700 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2024 season and was widely expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, where analysts projected him as a potential second-round selection.

Now, with legal troubles threatening to derail his career, the future is suddenly unclear for the once-rising star. Neither Ohio State University nor head coach Ryan Day had commented publicly on the situation as of early Monday afternoon, though a source within the athletic department confirmed that the university is “aware of the matter and monitoring the legal proceedings closely.” Given that Judkins officially declared for the draft this past spring, he is no longer enrolled at the university or part of the Buckeyes’ active roster, but his ties to the program remain strong.

The NFL, which has adopted a far more rigorous stance on player conduct in recent years, is also likely to scrutinize the incident carefully. League scouts and general managers often consider off-field behavior when evaluating prospects, particularly when it involves allegations of domestic violence—a subject the league has publicly committed to addressing more seriously following previous high-profile incidents. While Judkins has not yet commented on the allegations, his representation is expected to release a statement in the coming days.

Reactions across the college football world ranged from stunned disbelief to anger and disappointment. Social media platforms lit up Saturday evening as news of the arrest began to spread, with fans and pundits alike expressing concern over the nature of the charges. Some former teammates and coaches expressed shock, saying that Judkins had never exhibited such behavior during his time on their teams. One anonymous former coach described him as “intensely competitive, maybe emotional, but not someone I ever saw losing control like this.”

Others noted that the pressures facing young athletes—especially those with early fame and NFL aspirations—can create combustible situations, particularly if they lack the right support systems or coping mechanisms. College athletes today face enormous scrutiny and stress, not only from their on-field responsibilities but also from NIL deals, media attention, and the demands of navigating adult responsibilities in the public eye. Still, as many pointed out, such pressures are never a justification for violence.

Advocates for domestic violence awareness and prevention were quick to respond to the arrest, emphasizing the need for accountability and support for victims. “Regardless of one’s athletic status, violence in any form should be taken seriously and pursued through the legal system,” said Maria Dalton, director of Voices United, a nonprofit group based in Florida. “This is an opportunity for football programs, schools, and even the NFL to reaffirm their commitment to addressing domestic violence and supporting survivors.”

The incident also raised broader questions about the role of collegiate athletic departments in supporting mental health and emotional well-being. While schools like Ohio State offer counseling services, some critics argue that programs focused on competitive success may overlook the holistic development of student-athletes. The NCAA has made some strides in recent years toward requiring mental health resources for athletes, but implementation has been uneven across programs.

As Judkins begins what is expected to be a difficult legal process, his future as a professional athlete hangs in the balance. Draft analysts who previously listed him as a top-five running back in the 2025 class have already begun reevaluating his stock, with some suggesting that he could now go undrafted unless exonerated. In the eyes of NFL executives, character concerns are often as impactful as physical traits, particularly when they involve violent offenses.

Judkins’ legal team will now look to mount a defense, and early indications suggest they may dispute key elements of the police report. As with all legal matters, Judkins is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the case will need to play out in court. The next court appearance is scheduled for later this month, at which point additional details may be made public. In the meantime, Judkins will likely remain under strict legal supervision and may be prohibited from traveling or engaging in promotional activities pending the outcome.

This is not the first time a high-profile college athlete has faced such charges, but the timing and nature of this case make it particularly impactful. With the NFL Draft months away and Judkins just beginning to train for the Combine and private workouts, the arrest could not have come at a worse time. Teams will now have to weigh the risk of bringing him into their organization, balancing his undeniable talent with the uncertainty surrounding his off-field behavior.

For fans of college football and Ohio State in particular, this news is both painful and perplexing. Judkins was seen as a game-changer and a workhorse who fit perfectly into the Buckeyes’ rich tradition of elite running backs. His arrest not only tarnishes that legacy but also serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame and athletic prowess.

As the story continues to unfold, many will watch closely—not just for legal updates, but for signs of personal accountability, institutional response, and cultural reckoning within the sport. For Quinshon Judkins, a player once heralded for his on-field strength and resilience, the most defining challenge of his young life now lies off the field, in a courtroom rather than a stadium. And the outcome could determine whether he ever suits up again as a professional athlete or becomes another cautionary tale of promise lost.