Ohio State Football: WR Chris Olave denies 2021 NFL Draft to return

With the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft looming at 4 PM EST on Monday, it was expected that several athletes remaining would be throwing their hat into the ring. That is not the case for Ohio State standout receiver Chris Olave.

Through a tweet he sent earlier today, Olave announced that he is returning to Columbus for his senior season. The news comes a few hours after his now former quarterback, Justin Fields, declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Olave returning is a bit of a shocker considering how strong of a talent he is and previous reports that he would make the jump. He was viewed as one of the most promising receiving talents, projected to be selected anywhere from the late first to early second rounds.

Looking at the numbers for Chris Olave

His return means a massive boost for the Buckeyes heading into the 2021 season. Leading Ohio State in receiving yards during his sophomore campaign with 840 over 14 games, Olave repeated the feat this year in a much more impressive fashion. In half the time, a mere seven games, Olave lead the team with 729 receiving yards along with 7 receiving touchdowns. He also topped his 2019 reception total of 48 with 50 this season.

To double his statistics in half the time is truly astounding, especially during a season that was almost not. Now Olave has a chance to cement himself as one of the top wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft class while providing a massive boost to an Ohio State offense that is looking toward a future without its star quarterback.