Browns' Quinshon Judkins Could Return College Football Under NFL Loophole

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, drafted 36th overall in 2025, has not yet signed his NFL contract amid an ongoing league investigation under the Personal Conduct Policy. This unusual situation has raised the possibility that Judkins could exploit a loophole in the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement and return to college football for another season, a move previously considered nearly impossible. Recent NCAA eligibility shifts, including a federal judge granting eligibility waivers to other players, further suggest Judkins might have a pathway back to college despite declaring for the draft. If he returns to college, the Browns would retain his NFL rights, but if he does not sign with them before January 2026, he would re-enter the NFL draft that year. While this scenario would be unprecedented, it offers Judkins options that were not previously available to players in his situation. Ohio State, Judkins' college team, is preparing without him but would likely welcome his return, as he was a dominant running back in his final collegiate season.