Jeremy Ruckert
FILE - Ohio State head coach Ryan Day yells during the second half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson in New Orleans, in this Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, file photo. Ohio State stars leaving early for the NFL happens every winter, but perhaps the more surprising news this time is about the number of important players who've decided to stay.(AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
Day encouraged by returning players who put off NFL dreams

By Mitch Stacy Jan. 22, 2021 01:52 PM EST

A security officer checks as fans arrive for an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game between Alabama and Ohio State Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Ohio State at Alabama 1/11/2021

Jan. 11, 2021 06:51 PM EST

Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave catches a touchdown pass in front of Clemson cornerback Derion Kendrick during the second half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Fields' day: No. 3 Ohio State routs No. 2 Clemson 49-28

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 02, 2021 12:11 AM EST

Clemson warms up before the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game against Ohio State Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Ohio State at Clemson 1/1/2021

Jan. 01, 2021 06:47 PM EST

Northwestern running back Jesse Brown (1) celebrates with teammates as he holds the Land of Lincoln Trophy after Northwestern defeated Illinois 28-10 in an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
No. 3 Buckeyes have something to prove in Big Ten title game

By Mitch Stacy Dec. 15, 2020 04:54 PM EST

Ohio State running back Trey Sermon runs for a first down against Rutgers during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 49-27. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Fields throws 5 TDs passes, No. 3 Ohio State beats Rutgers

By Mitch Stacy Nov. 07, 2020 11:40 PM EST

Rutgers quarterback Noah Vedral drops back top pass against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Rutgers at Ohio State 11/7/2020

Nov. 07, 2020 09:01 PM EST

Cutout fans line the south stands before an NCAA college football game between Penn State and Ohio State in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
In empty white out, No. 3 Ohio State beats Penn State 38-25

By Travis Johnson Oct. 31, 2020 11:29 PM EDT

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford warms up for the team's NCAA college football game against Ohio State in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Ohio State at Penn State 10/31/2020

Oct. 31, 2020 06:53 PM EDT

Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (17) is tackled by Wisconsin safety Reggie Pearson (2) as linebacker Zack Baun (56) watches during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
No. 2 Ohio State rallies for 3rd straight Big Ten title

By Michael Marot Dec. 08, 2019 12:01 AM EST

Clemson running back Travis Etienne (9) escapes the tackle attempt by Virginia cornerback Heskin Smith (23) and Virginia linebacker Jordan Mack (4) during the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. Etienne scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
No. 1 LSU locks up playoff spot, routing No. 4 Georgia

By The Associated Press Dec. 07, 2019 08:37 PM EST

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass against Florida Atlantic during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Big Ten 1st impressions: Maryland, OSU look good at QB

By Dave Campbell Sep. 05, 2019 06:58 PM EDT

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) scrambles during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Duke, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tagovailoa helps No. 2 Alabama rout Duke 42-3

By The Associated Press Aug. 31, 2019 07:55 PM EDT

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, center, celebrates their touchdown against Florida Atlantic during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Fields' Day: New QB helps Ohio State roll over FAU 45-21

By Mitch Stacy Aug. 31, 2019 03:48 PM EDT