Tyreke Smith is not going anywhere.
The defensive end of the state of Ohio confirmed in a social media announcement on Monday that he will be with the Buckeyes again for the 2021 season, rather than step into the NFL draft.
All glory to God … Unfinished business pic.twitter.com/nNLH7fM4He
– Tyreke Smith (@ T_23_baller) 19 January 2021
Even if there were speculations that Smith could make the leap to the NFL, it would have been a dubious move after he recorded just two bags in 2020. While Smith arrived in the state of Ohio as an almost five-star recruiter and had the physical tools to play a defensive end in the league, he still did not appear as a consistent impact player for the Buckeyes and he probably would has been a draft choice for Day 3.
However, by returning to Ohio State for his senior season, Smith will have the opportunity to continue under the supervision of Larry Johnson and perhaps finally have his long-awaited breakout season in 2021. He will be expected to leave the Buckeyes at the defensive end position after the departure of Jonathon Cooper.
With Smith’s decision to stay in the state of Ohio, the Buckeyes will end four of their five defenses, which have had regular playing time this past season, including Zach Harrison, Tyler Friday and Javontae Jean-Baptiste. While they will be looking for all of these defensive goals in 2021 to take a step forward and play more impact, they will be deep in the position, with Cormontae Hamilton, Noah Potter, Darrion Henry-Young and Jacolbe Cowan. also Jack Sawyer, a five-star recruiter, who is returning and a potential first-year freshman.