Chris Olave
FILE - 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 in New Orleans, in this Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, file photo. After the announcements of quarterback Justin Fields, cornerback Shaun Wade and other early departures trickled out via social media after the loss to Alabama in the national championship game, the Buckeyes got a huge “stay” in Chris Olave, last season’s leading receiver who as a junior was draft eligible. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)
Day encouraged by returning players who put off NFL dreams

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

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, from left, quarterback Justin Fields and linebacker Tuf Borland hold up the trophy after the team's win against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in New Orleans. Ohio State won 49-28. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama in record 5th CFP title game vs 1st champ Ohio State

By Stephen Hawkins Jan. 02, 2021 01:58 AM EST

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day get soaked with a sports drink after the team's win against Clemson during the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Fields' day: No. 3 Ohio State routs No. 2 Clemson 49-28

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

FILE - In this Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, file photo, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Northwestern, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
Sugar Bowl: Unfinished business for Clemson and Ohio State

By Ralph D. Russo Dec. 31, 2020 01:38 PM EST

Ohio State running back Trey Sermon (8) runs for the end zone to score past Northwestern defensive back Cameron Mitchell (21) during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Clemson and Ohio State get CFP rematch in Sugar Bowl

By Mitch Stacy Dec. 20, 2020 01:40 PM EST

Ohio State interim head coach Larry Johnson looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
No. 3 Ohio State has no problem with Spartans in 52-12 win

By Noah Trister Dec. 05, 2020 04:01 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. 08, 2020 12:01 AM EST

Nebraska linebacker JoJo Domann, top, and defensive back Marquel Dismuke, left, tackle Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Fields, No. 5 Ohio St run away from Huskers in opener, 52-17

By Mitch Stacy Oct. 24, 2020 03:31 PM EDT

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez warms up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa in Lincoln, Neb., Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Martinez turned back a challenge from Luke McCaffrey to win the starting quarterback's job for Nebraska's opener at No. 5 Ohio State, coach Scott Frost announced Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)
Finally! No. 5 Ohio State opens against rebuilding Nebraska

By Mitch Stacy Oct. 22, 2020 12:46 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 3, 2020, file photo, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass during their NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. Fields returns for a second season as Ohio State starter. Coaches and teammates say Fields is in better shape because of diet and workout regimen, and is a more confident and vocal leader. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
Sleek, determined Fields driven by quest for national title

By Mitch Stacy Oct. 13, 2020 02:10 PM EDT