'Everyone's Going To Be Here': Ryan Day Reveals Opt-Out Status For Cotton Bowl
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for their matchup against No. 9 Missouri in the Cotton Bowl Classic, they remain almost entirely intact.
Will that change following practice?
Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said nobody has announced if they plan to opt out of the bowl game and prepare for the NFL draft. Defensive back Lathan Ransom is the only significant player expected to miss next Friday's matchup against the Tigers due to a leg injury.
“Everyone's going to be here,” he said. “We have a team meeting tonight. We may have an update on that later on. But right now, no updates.”
Ohio State coach Ryan Day prepares to the field at Ohio Stadium
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK
Barring a last-second change, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and running TreVeyon Henderson are expected to suit up at least one more time before making a final decision on what's next. Both players are draft-eligible and should be considered priority picks at their respective positions.
Harrison, who won the Belitnikoff Award after shattering Ohio State's 100-yard receiving game record, is considered the top non-quarterback prospect and a top-five pick. Henderson, who rushed for 854 yards and 11 touchdowns, is expected to be an early Day 2 pick should he declare.
Harrison was seen exiting the bus in Grapevine, Texas, along with other members of the Buckeyes' roster. Henderson also is reportedly with the team.
Most players flew from Columbus down to the Lone Star State for their matchup at AT&T Stadium, but several players joined the roster from their hometowns after a pick stay for the holidays. Veteran draftees like linebacker Tommy Echienberg and tight end Cade Stover made the trip and have yet to opt-out.
The No. 7 Buckeyes (11-1) hope to finish with 12 wins for the first time since 2019. Ohio State will also turn to Devin Brown as the new starting quarterback following starter Kyle McCord's transfer to Syracuse.
With a strong outing, Brown could prove to be the right answer for OSU moving into 2024 and beyond. Should he struggle, Day could pivot toward the transfer portal before the window closes early next month.
“We're excited to be back at the Cotton Bowl,” Day said. “It is a wonderful bowl, and the hospitality here is top-notch, and our guys are excited about it. Certainly, we have a great opponent. We're very excited to have a great week of practice and get to work.”
The Tigers (10-2) will look for their first 11-win season since 2014 under fourth-year coach Eli Drinkwitz.
