Ohio State fans will be excited to see Braxton Miller back on the field. (Getty)
ESPN reports that Braxton Miller will be returning to Ohio State for the upcoming season. Miller suffered an injury that sidelined him before last season began. Rather than engaging in a quarterback competition at Ohio State, there had been rumors that Miller would choose to transfer to a school like Alabama or LSU. Here is what we know about the decision:
1. A Formal Announcement is Expected Next Week
Joe Schad of ESPN is reporting that he spoke to a source close to the decision. However, Braxton Miller has not announced anything. CBS Sports reports that a formal announcement is expected next week. The specific date of the announcement has not been revealed.
2. Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones Will Compete for Starting Quarterback
Cardale Jones, Braxton Miller, and J.T. Barrett will compete for the starting quarterback position. (Getty)
Braxton Miller will find himself in a 3-way quarterback competition. Miller was injured in a practice before the season started. J.T. Barrett took over as starting quarterback for the Buckeyes and played well. However, he was injured during the last game of the season against Michigan.
Cardale Jones, who started the season as the third string quarterback, took over for Ohio State. He led the Buckeyes to a victory against Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship. From there, he went on to help Ohio State romp Oregon in the National Championship game. The eyes of the college football world will be on Urban Meyer as he decides who will start at quarterback in 2015.
3. Braxton Miller Was Injured Before the 2014 Season
Braxton Miller is continuing the rehab process. (Getty)
Miller did not play at all during the 2014 college football season due to an injury he suffered in practice. He is continuing to rehab, but recent reports sound optimistic about his recovery. Urban Meyer recently reported that Miller was at about “95 percent.”
Braxton Miller tweeted this out after his visit with renowned surgeon Dr. Andrews:
Successful check up/visit w Kevin & Andrews! 😁.
4. Braxton Miller Visited Alabama
Miller reportedly contemplated transferring to another university. (Getty)
There have been various reports as to the nature of these visits to Alabama. AL.com reported that Miller shoulder rehab was in Birmingham, Alabama. This is just a 30 minute drive to Tuscaloosa. Miller is good friends with Trey DePriest, a former Alabama player, and would come over to visit him. There have been conflicting reports as to whether Miller formally visited with the Alabama football program.
5. It Was Reported Braxton Would Transfer to Oregon or LSU
There were false reports about Braxton Miller leaving. (Getty)
Leading up to the championship game, there were reports that Braxton Miller had already decided to transfer. Reporter Jordan Schultz tweeted this out a few days before Ohio State faced Oregon:
Still hearing Braxton Miller likely headed toward LSU or Oregon, but doesn’t want to be distraction during championship week, staying quiet.
Obviously, either this report was false or Braxton Miller had a change of heart. Either way, Ohio State fans are in for a tremendous quarterback battle this fall.