Ohio State star defensive end Nick Bosa has elected to withdraw from school and focus on rehabbing in preparation for the 2019 NFL Draft, the university confirmed Tuesday.
“I was hopeful that Nick would be able to return to play again for us,” head coach Urban Meyer said in a statement. “I know this was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for Nick and his family, and I wish him well as he moves on to get himself 100 percent healthy and ready for his next chapter. I want to thank Nick for the remarkable efforts he gave for this program. He is a first-class young man who we have been honored to coach.”
The news of Bosa’s decision was first reported by The Columbus Dispatch.
Bosa was injured in the second half of Ohio State’s 40-28 win over TCU on Sept. 15 and later underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury. On Monday, Urban Meyer said he was “hopeful” that Bosa would return to the team at some point during the season. The Dispatch report indicates however, that Bosa and his family met with Meyer on Sunday to inform him of their decision.
Initial reports indicated that Bosa was set to be re-evaluated in November for a possible return late in the season.
In less than three full games this season, Bosa recorded four sacks, six tackles for loss and a forced fumble against TCU which led to Ohio State’s first score in the victory over the Horned Frogs. Currently, he ranks second on the team in sacks despite having not played in just more than a month.
Bosa is projected as a top-5 pick in the upcoming draft by multiple experts. His brother Joey was selected No. 3 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.
