DALLAS – As expected, Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard will not return to Ohio State for his senior season.
Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard reacts to sacking Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield earlier this season.
BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH Enlarge
The standout redshirt junior from Cincinnati announced that he will enter the 2018 National Football League draft on Saturday, one day after the Buckeyes concluded their season with a 24-7 victory against Southern California in the Cotton Bowl.
Hubbard announced his decision in a Twitter post.
— Samwise (@Sam_Hubbard_) December 30, 2017
“These past four years at Ohio State have been everything I ever dreamed about and so much more,” Hubbard wrote. “Now, as a graduate of The Ohio State University, I believe I am ready to chase another life-long dream of mine, playing in the National Football League.”
Hubbard is the second Buckeye to declare early for the draft, joining cornerback Denzel Ward.
RELATED: OSU's Ward skips Cotton Bowl, will enter draft
Ohio State will lose most of its powerful defensive line before next season. Ends Tyquan Lewis and Jalyn Holmes, and tackles Tracy Sprinkle and Michael Hill are all seniors, and now Hubbard will join them as NFL prospects.
Nick Bosa and Chase Young are the projected starters at defensive end going into next season.
Contact Nicholas Piotrowicz at npiotrowicz@theblade.com, 419-724-6110 or on Twitter @NickPiotrowicz