Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade announced Monday that he is opting out of his senior season to prepare for the NFL draft.
With the uncertainty of when a Big Ten season will be played, Wade has decided to forgo his remaining year of eligibility and move on to the next level.
A projected starter and preseason All-American, Wade was listed as the No. 7 prospect on the Big Board of ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. earlier this month. He had been projected as an early-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft but decided to return to the Buckeyes for one more season.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision to make, but I know it’s the right decision for me,” Wade said in a video on Twitter. “… I am forever grateful to Buckeye Nation and looking forward to the next chapter.”
Wade had been named a team captain for the upcoming season, whenever it was scheduled to be played. He is the second Ohio State player to opt out after offensive lineman Wyatt Davis did so three days ago.