Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud declares for NFL draft

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud will give up a final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft, where he is expected to be a top-five pick.

The two-year starter for the Buckeyes announced his decision, which had been expected, on social media on Monday, the last day eligible players can declare for the draft.

“This process has been difficult, and the decision, one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make,” Stroud said in the statement. “As a kid, I dreamed of playing football at the highest level, and after much prayer, I’ve made the decision that it’s time to turn those dreams into a reality.”

Stroud led the Buckeyes to back-to-back 11-2 seasons but lost to Michigan twice. Ohio State made it to the College Football Playoff last season but lost to eventual national champion Georgia 42-41 in a semifinal, a game in which Stroud threw four TD passes.

The 21-year-old was a Heisman Trophy finalist in both seasons. He amassed more than 8,000 passing yards and threw 85 touchdowns. He is the holder of 16 school offensive records.

Kyle McCord and Devin Brown are expected to compete for the starting quarterback job in 2023.

Chad Scott has been named offensive coordinator at West Virginia. Coach Neal Brown announced Scott’s promotion Monday.

Scott was West Virginia’s run game coordinator last season. He replaces Graham Harrell, who was hired for the same position at Purdue. Scott enters his fifth season on Brown’s staff. The pair also worked together at Kentucky, Texas Tech and Troy.

Scott came to West Virginia after serving as tight ends and hybrids coach at North Carolina from 2016-18. He will continue to coach the running backs. West Virginia’s running game averaged nearly 172 yards per contest last season.