Ohio State coach Ryan Day expects Wyatt Davis and Shaun Wade to play for the Buckeyes despite recently declaring they were committing to the 2021 NFL Draft.
Provided Davis and Wade did not sign with an agent and remain enrolled and eligible academically, there is no rule prohibiting either player from changing course to play the 2020 college football season. In its own dramatic reversal, the Big Ten announced Wednesday that the season would begin Oct. 23-24.
Less than a week ago, Davis announced he was starting prep for next year’s draft. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound junior offensive lineman, a projected first-round pick, announced his decision on social media.
“I should be in the middle of preparing for our game this week. Instead, due to the events of 2020, I spent the last weeks with my family and coaching staff trying to determine my future,” Wyatt posted on Twitter. “On one hand, playing at The Ohio State has been the experience of a lifetime. On the other, my childhood dream is to play in the NFL. After much thought and deliberation and given the uncertainty of our times, I have decided to start preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft.”
Day, who advocated for the 2020 season to be played since the Big Ten announced Aug. 11 it would not have a fall season, also expects Wade, a senior cornerback, to be part of the team.
Wade — a preseason All-American and a team captain — left the door slightly open to return to the Buckeyes when he said this week he would commit to draft preparation. He is viewed as a potential top-10 draft pick.
(Field Level Media)
