Nr. 3 Ohio State boarded a plane to Miami around Alabama no. 1 in the College Football Playoff National Championship, a school spokesman told ESPN on Friday afternoon. may need to be postponed.
“The plan is to fly off tomorrow,” Buckeyes spokesman Jerry Emig said.
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne also confirmed that the Crimson Tide will be on tour and tweeted, “Just got the test results and we’re good to go.”
According to a school spokesman, Alabama lands in Miami Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
“Like I said all week, the game is on,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff, on Friday. “Nothing has changed. Alabama’s team is traveling to Miami tonight, and the Ohio State guys will arrive tomorrow. We’re looking forward to a great night of college football.”
The state of Ohio did not want to announce on Friday when its last COVID-19 test results would be available, but the team is expected to land at 18:00 ET on Saturday.
Hancock and officials at both schools have repeatedly said the national championship game will remain Monday, despite reports of ongoing COVID-19 issues within the Ohio State program.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Thursday that the Buckeyes would have “many players” available without giving specific numbers or player updates.
“We got a new set of challenges this week,” Day said. “We’ll have to figure it out, go to Miami and play.”
ESPN’s Holly Rowe has announced that she has tested positive for COVID-19, is experiencing symptoms and will not be part of the ABC / ESPN Championship game coverage.