WATCH: 1-on-1 with OSU’s Shaun Wade after opting out of season to prepare for NFL draft

Posted: Sep 14, 2020 / 09:05 AM EDT

Updated: Sep 14, 2020 / 03:14 PM EDT

COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Two of Ohio State’s most highly-regraded players have announced they will opt out of a football season as they prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Monday morning, OSU cornerback Shaun Wade announced he will forego playing for the Buckeyes and prepare for the NFL. Wade was a preseason All-American after a spectacular sophomore season. Wade debated leaving for the NFL after the 2019 season but elected to return to school. Wade intercepted one pass, recorded two sacks and made several critical pass breakups last season.

Thank you Buckeye Nation!

Forever a Buckeye! pic.twitter.com/VFjKukLpLV
— Shaun Wade (@shaunwade24) September 14, 2020

Wade’s father, Randy, has been one of the most vocal parents of Big Ten athletes campaigning for players to get the opportunity to play football this season. He led the Big Ten parent protest outside the Big Ten office in Chicago.

Wade joins offensive lineman and fellow All-American Wyatt Davis in opting out of a season. Davis announced his decision this past Friday. Quarterback Justin Fields remains at OSU and is projected as a top 5 pick next year.