Urban Meyer expects Ohio State QB Braxton Miller to return next year
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday that he expects quarterback Braxton Miller to return to the Buckeyes next year.
Miller has been linked to transfer rumors since he suffered a season-ending torn labrum in his right shoulder in August.
In Miller's place, redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett helped guide the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record, completing nearly 65 percent of his passes while throwing 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Like Miller, he also presented a threat on the ground, rushing 171 times for 938 yards and 11 touchdowns.
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Barrett, however, fractured his right ankle during the fourth of quarter of Ohio State's regular-season finale against Michigan. Sophomore Cardale Jones finished that game and then started the Big Ten Championship Game the following week. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 59-0 as Jones went 12-of-17 for 257 yards and three touchdowns.
Jones will once again start for No. 4 Ohio State on New Year's Day, when it faces No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. The winner will face either Oregon or Florida State in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Jan. 12 in Arlington, Texas.
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Despite Miller no longer being the presumed starter in 2015, Cleveland.com reported Wednesday that OSU athletic director Gene Smith also expects Miller to return next year.
- Mike Fiammetta
