Scarlet Sunrise: During return to hometown, Quinshon Judkins gives back

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

During return to hometown, Quinshon Judkins gives back

Before Quinshon Judkins transferred to Ohio State, he became a star at Ole Miss. Before he arrived at Ole Miss, he already made a name for himself at Pike Road High School in Montgomery County, Alabama.

Judkins gave back to his alma mater this week.

Paying some of his NIL earnings forward, the Buckeyes running back donated $10,000 to the Pike Road QB Club Tuesday.

Ohio State running back and former Pike Road Patriot Quinshon Judkins donates $10,000 to the Pike Road QB Club.

Love seeing former Fever players give back to their community. A lot of good can come from NIL. @pikeroadFB @wsfa12news pic.twitter.com/5JwY0eX7jF

— Rosie Langello (@RosieLangello) May 7, 2024

Over the weekend, Judkins stopped by the annual Alabama Kidney Foundation Walk. The fundraiser already hit record numbers this year, according to WSFA 12 News. What’s more, for every touchdown Judkins scores at Ohio State this season, $1,000 will be donated to the Alabama Kidney Foundation by local trucking company owner Jerry Kocan, per WSFA.

Keep in mind, Judkins has piled up 17 total touchdowns each of the last two seasons. While he might not reach those numbers in 2024, he certainly has reservations for six — several of them. He’s part of arguably the best running back tandem in the country, alongside Ohio State senior TreVeyon Henderson.

ALSO: Star @OhioStateFB RB Quinshon Judkins stopping by to show his support.

It was announced this morning that $1,000 will be donated to the Alabama Kidney Foundation for every TD he scores this year…(he’s had 17 the past 2 years)

More tonight on @wsfa12news @qaj4_ pic.twitter.com/ohyy40yg9x

— Simon Schuessler (@SimonSchuessler) May 4, 2024

So not only is Judkins already giving back to the football program that made him into who he is today, but he’s also going to be helping his hometown community this fall every time he finds the end zone.

Progress Report: Evaluating Ohio State defensive ends after spring practice

Lettermen Row’s “Progress Report” series has made its way to the defensive side of the ball, and we’re taking a look at a money-maker position: defensive end.

The Buckeyes returned both Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau — Ohio State standouts and former top-five overall prospects from the 2021 cycle — plus they have a collection of talent behind that duo.

But who among the group emerged as the MVP in spring? Who improved the most? And what’s a question that’s still facing defensive line coach Larry Johnson after the spring season?

All of that is explored here.

Ohio State women’s hoops learns home, away Big Ten opponents for 2024-25 season

Ohio State women’s basketball learned its home and away Big Ten opponents for the 2024-25 season Tuesday.

The Buckeyes, like the other 17 members of the expanded Big Ten, will face 16 league opponents once and one league opponent twice this season.

The only team Ohio State will see twice in the regular season will be Maryland.

For the complete home/away split and some takeaways, head on over here.

RELATED

• Where do Buckeyes rank in ESPN’s way-too-early Top 25?

By the Numbers: KenPom breakdown of where Ohio State men’s basketball stood in 2023-24

The 2023-24 Ohio State season felt like three seasons: a fast start, another head scratching Big Ten slide and then — most importantly — a change in coach and fortune.

It’s tough to evaluate. One way is analytically. Lettermen Row tried through the lens of KenPom.

That is, while accounting for the style differences between former head coach Chris Holtmann and current head coach Jake Diebler.

Check out that analysis here.

Counting Down

Buckeyes vs. Akron: 117 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 208 days

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