Ohio State is in a unique situation heading into the 2015 season. Coming off a national title win with third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, injured first-stringer Braxton Miller and backup J.T. Barrett will be healthy and eligible next season.
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All three have not only shown capability, but Heisman potential. Miller was one of the favorites before the season, Barrett was one of the favorites during the season, and Jones led the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title and playoff wins over Alabama and Oregon.
In today's transfer market (and with two of the three eligible to leave early for the NFL Draft), how many quarterbacks can Ohio State expect to keep? Miller has been connected by rumors to Oregon, Florida State, and others, and Texas fans are hoping there was something to a gesture Lone Star native Barrett happened to make after the title game.
The trio gave some answers after the Buckeyes’ national title win Monday.
“Braxton has told me he’s coming back,” athletic director Gene Smith said to NFL.com’s Bryan Fischer and Chase Goodbread. “I don’t know what upcoming decision he’s got.”
Barrett, a redshirt freshman this season, told Sports Illustrated’s Pete Thamel he expects all three to stay.
“I’m not leaving,” Barrett said. “I don’t think Braxton is leaving. I don’t think Cardale is leaving. That’s being honest. With that, I mean, it’s just competition. It’s part of football. It’s what we’re about to do.”
As for Jones, he said he’s still considering a departure to the NFL after three career starts, but he still has unfinished business in Columbus.
“I’m not going to say ‘definitely,’” Jones said. “(The NFL) is something that I’ll consider. My most important focus is getting my degree.”
As for the favorite to win the job no matter who stays, you can bet at Bovada on Jones at 11/10, trailed by Miller at 5/4 and Barrett at 7/2.
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From Tuesday morning:
Cardale on NFL: "In my personal opinion, I’m not ready for that level yet. But that’s a conversation Coach Meyer and I will have later on"
— Land-Grant Holy Land (@Landgrant33) January 13, 2015 See More:
