Ohio State All-American cornerback Jeff Okudah announced Wednesday he will enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
He is expected to be the first cornerback off the board in the April 23-25 draft and several mock drafts peg him to be selected No. 3 overall by the Detroit Lions.
“The Ohio State University has provided me with the adventure of a lifetime,” he posted on Twitter. “From the time I arrived on campus as a 17 year old, the city of Columbus accepted me as one of its own, and together, we grew. As I reflect on that decision three years later, I couldn’t have imagined a better college experience.”
Still, Okudah leaves knowing the Buckeyes have unfinished business. Ranked No. 2 in the nation, Ohio State lost 29-23 to No. 3 Clemson last Saturday in the Peach Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
“As I embark on the next part of my journey, I leave feeling like there was still more to be accomplished by this team. However, I also leave knowing that the competitive excellence that makes Ohio State the best university in the country, has been in place long before I arrived and will continue long after I leave.”
Junior running back J.K. Dobbins declared his intention to enter the draft on Monday, and defensive end Chase Young, a Heisman Trophy finalist, is expected to follow suit.
Okudah played in all 14 games for the Buckeyes this season, making 35 tackles and adding nine pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
In his first two seasons at Ohio State, he combined to make 51 tackles in 27 games.