He's unlikely to be the first quarterback selected, but Ohio State Buckeyes signal-caller Cardale Jones confirmed Wednesday that he'll be a part of the NFL's annual draft process. Jones announced that he won't be transferring from Ohio State and will instead enter the 2016 NFL Draft, according to Dave Briggs of The Toledo Blade.
Jones, 23, helmed the Buckeyes to a national championship last season as a sophomore, but struggled this year and eventually lost the starting job to J.T. Barrett.
He held a press conference after last season's shocking run through the College Football Playoff, at which point many expected the big signal-caller to announce a jump to the NFL. Instead, Jones confused many by announcing that he would return to Columbus for his junior season.
It proved an ill-advised move for Jones. The draft stock that had seemed so high then has likely fallen off significantly after Jones played in mediocre fashion and ultimately lost the Buckeyes' lead role to Barrett.
Jones likely finished this season with 1,460 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions passing. Ohio State will play their last game of the season Friday against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Fiesta Bowl.
Jones' competition in the draft, top collegiate quarterbacks Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch, have not yet announced their decisions, though it's likely that both players, viewed as almost certain first-round picks, will make the leap, pushing a project like Jones down the board.
