On Friday afternoon the Ohio State fanbase got the news it’s been waiting for: transfer quarterback Justin Fields received immediate eligibility from the NCAA.
As a result, he’ll be the likely starting quarterback for the Buckeyes when they take the field in the fall.
In the immediate aftermath of the decision, the odds for the eventual college football champion shifted and Vegas seems to like the Buckeyes.
With Fields immediately eligible, Ohio State’s national title odds jumped from 12-1 to 8-1. The Buckeyes are now the third-favorite behind Clemson and Alabama to take home the title in 2019.
Per @BovadaOfficial,#OhioState’s national title odds:
– Before Justin Fields’ eligibility decision: 12/1
– Now: 8/1 ? https://t.co/Nw6mhWOCEa— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) February 8, 2019
The former Georgia quarterback played in 12 games for the Bulldogs in 2018 as the backup to starter Jake From.
He racked up 328 yards and four touchdowns through the air, while adding 266 yards and four scores on the ground.
Fields is the former No. 2 overall recruit in the nation – behind only Clemson star Trevor Lawrence – and one of the highest-rated recruits ever to don an Ohio State jersey.
He’ll have plenty of time to get acquainted with his new teammates before the Buckeyes open the 2019 college football season against Lane Kiffin and the Florida Atlantic Owls on August 31.
Can Ohio State stop the sting of Clemson and Alabama titles?