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Ohio State OL Wyatt Davis hopes to return after announcing intent to declare for NFL draft last week

With the Big Ten announcing its return to the field, Ohio State offensive lineman Wyatt Davis is hoping to be a part of it.

Davis announced his intention to opt out of the season and declare for the 2021 NFL draft last week in an interview with Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel. Now that the Big Ten has reversed course and aims to begin its season the weekend of Oct. 24, Davis said in a statement Wednesday that he wants to return to the Ohio State football team.

“I was incredibly happy to learn today about the Big Ten’s decision to play football this fall,” Davis said. “Thank you President Johnson, Mr. Smith, Dr. Borchers and to all who worked so hard for our safe return. I want Buckeye Nation to know that I want to play this season for Ohio State and I am working now to make that a reality. Thank you for the support. Go Buckeyes.”

Davis said last week that uncertainty about the season ultimately led to his decision to declare for the draft. He called the decision “heartbreaking.”

“My family and I were waiting to hear any good news that there would be a possibility to play in the fall,” Davis told Yahoo Sports when announcing his intention to declare for the draft. “As the weeks went on, after the initial cancellation, the news didn’t seem in favor that we would have an opportunity to play for a national championship if there was a season. At this point, my family and I made the decision that it would be my best decision to take the next step.”

But Davis never signed with an agent, making his path back to the field in Columbus seemingly very viable. That’s great news for OSU fans as Davis, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound guard, is projected as a potential first-round NFL talent by some evaluators.

Davis told Yahoo Sports that he believes this OSU team has the talent to win a national championship. Now he will likely have that opportunity. And it remains to be seen if another recent OSU opt out — star defensive back Shaun Wade — will join him. Like Davis, Wade has not signed with an agent, according to Sports Illustrated.

Ohio State offensive lineman Wyatt Davis (52) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
Ohio State offensive lineman Wyatt Davis (52) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).

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