Returning to Ohio State in 2015 to reclaim his starting job is one option for Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller.
But it's far from his only play.
As freshman J.T. Barrett continues to lead Ohio State just as capably as Miller, and with a College Football Playoff berth within reach for the Buckeyes, speculation is swelling that Miller is considering a post-graduate transfer. Two sources close to Miller, however, say the quarterback's plan for now is to remain at Ohio State and lead the Buckeyes in 2015, according to NFL Media's Albert Breer.
Miller suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in August.
As Barrett's career continues to flourish, the right move for Miller's football career might prove to be dressed in something other than scarlet and gray. Under NCAA rules, if Miller first earns his degree, he could transfer to another FBS program without having to sit out a season the way undergraduate transfers do. Miller confirmed he's on track to do just that back in August in the days following his injury, at which time he also tried to put to rest rumors of yet another option -- entering the 2015 NFL Draft.
It's not as though there isn't a successful precedent for Miller to consider. Seattle Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson transferred out of North Carolina State under the post-graduate rule and enjoyed a strong season at Wisconsin to finish his college career. That resulted in Wilson being chosen in the third round of the 2012 draft by Seattle.
Still another option, returning to Ohio State as a running back rather than at quarterback, has given Miller even more to think about.
When Ohio State coach Urban Meyer was first asked about the pending Barrett-Miller competition next year, he said in late September that the job was Miller's. Since then, however, Barrett has ripped off six consecutive wins, including a 49-37 win over Michigan State that breathed new life into the Buckeyes' playoff hopes. Not surprisingly, Meyer offered a different response last week when asked about the future of the quarterback position at Ohio State.
For now, Miller can focus on his shoulder. But in time, he'll have to focus on the future -- whether that is as an Ohio State quarterback or not.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
