Ohio State’s Shaun Wade has opted out of the upcoming season (Twitter link). The cornerback is widely projected to be a Top 10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and he’ll get an early jump on preparing for the combine. 
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“This has been an extremely difficult decision to make, but I know it’s the right decision for me. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty surrounding our season I have decided to forgo my remaining eligibility and officially declare for the 2021 NFL draft,” Wade said. “I am forever grateful to Buckeye Nation and looking forward to the next chapter.”
Of course, it remains to be seen whether the Big Ten will go ahead with its season, though it’s expected that the conference will forge ahead with an announcement in the coming days. For Wade, the risk of COVID-19 coupled with the ever-present injury risk didn’t add up.
In April, Wade will likely become the 15th Ohio State cornerback in NFL history to hear his name called in the first round. Earlier this year, Jeff Okudah became the 14th CB to go in Round 1 when the Lions tapped him at No. 3 overall. Other recent first-round Buckeyes include Denzel Ward, Marshon Lattimore, Gareon Conley, Eli Apple, Bradley Roby, and Malcolm Jenkins.
This is pretty hilarious considering his dad is one of the people that’s been fighting the hardest for a Big Ten season, which seems like is going to happen now in October. Would he have been fighting as hard if he knew his son was going to opt out?
Smart. Why play for free to make some coaches and ESPN money?
Establishing your draft stock and then staying healthy and waiting out the age limit is a fortuitously ideal scenario for these players.
what a joke. the NCAA could have stepped up and told each conference that they would have to play at the same fine but they didnt. now they’ve flown by the seat of their pants and things could go south quickly. all for a few greedy conferences to get unrivaled TV time. pathetic.
Now that he’s opted out, how much does he have to repay the boosters?