Ohio State football: Offensive star skipping Rose Bowl for NFL draft

Ohio State football will be without one of their biggest offensive weapons in the Rose Bowl after Garrett Wilson opted out and declared for the NFL Draft.

Ohio State football is looking for a ninth win in 16 Rose Bowl appearances on New Year’s Day when they take on Utah.

They’ll just have to do it without their second-leading receiver on the field.

On Monday, Garrett Wilson announced his decision to declare for the NFL Draft, ending his Ohio State career before the Rose Bowl.

Garrett Wilson declares for the NFL Draft, opts out of Rose Bowl

Here’s how Wilson dropped the news on Twitter:

Wilson played for the Buckeyes for three seasons, totaling 2,213 yards and 23 touchdowns through the air. He also had a touchdown as a rusher.

This year he was second among Ohio State receivers with 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns, his best season to date.

The draw of the NFL was a big one for Wilson. He is considered one of the top names on the board with a first-round selection looking likely. Choosing not to play in the historic bowl game will protect his draft stock, even if it disappoints fans.

Is Chris Olave playing in the Rose Bowl for Ohio State?

While Wilson will be out, it looks like the Buckeyes will be able to lean on receiver Chris Olave in the bowl game. He was featured in a video posted to the Buckeyes social media on Monday ahead of the team’s first practice for the game.

Olave had 65 catches for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior.

They’ll also have leading pass catcher Jaxon Smith-Njigba available. He had 80 catches for 1,259 yards and six touchdowns this year.

[Update, 4:36 p.m. CT]: Olave, Haskell Garrett, and Nicholas Petit-Frere have all also opted out of the Rose Bowl

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