
Ohio State junior wide receiver Garrett Wilson announced Monday that he will forgo his senior season of eligibility and declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Wilson will also opt out of Saturday’s Rose Bowl vs. Utah.
“I want to start this off by thanking all of you from the bottom of my heart,” Wilson wrote. “These last three years have been unforgettable and becoming a Buckeye has been the single greatest decision of my life. I would like to thank my teammates, trainers and our entire coaching staff — coach Hartline, coach Day, coach Mick and coach Nico, thank you. I wouldn’t be in this situation without each and every one of you.”
Additionally, Ryan Day confirmed to reporters on Monday that fellow wideout Chris Olave, defensive lineman Haskell Garrett and offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere have opted out of the bowl to focus on the draft.
Wilson recorded 2,213 yards receiving and 23 touchdowns in three seasons with the Buckeyes. He had 1,058 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns as a junior in 2021 and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team. A likely first-round pick, Wilson is ranked as the No. 8 prospect and the top wide receiver in the CBS Sports 2022 NFL Draft prospect rankings.
The 6-foot, 190-pounder from Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, was a five-star prospect and the No. 20 overall player in the Class of 2019.
What are the biggest takeaways from these decisions? Let’s break down what it means for the Buckeyes and the Rose Bowl.
Ohio State can withstand the losses
Wilson’s absence, while noteworthy, shouldn’t make too big of an impact on the Rose Bowl. Make no mistake, Wilson is an incredibly talented player with a bright future, but the same can be said for multiple Ohio State wide receivers.
Olave, the…
..