Adam Rittenberg of ESPN reported last week Tyquan Lewis would return to Ohio State.
Lewis confirmed his intentions Monday morning by issuing a statement via his Twitter account:
It has been an honor to receive my bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and play football at the highest level, for the best program in the nation and in front of the best fans.
I can honestly say that I love my teammates, coaches, and support staff. And no one is better at mentoring, leading, and helping a young person develop on and off the field than Coach Meyer, Coach Johnson, and our strength coach, Coach Mick.
I am so proud of being a part of four Ohio State teams, including winning a national championship and Big Ten championship in 2014.
But I am hungry for more. And that's why I have made my decision to return to The Ohio State University next season to help the Buckeyes reach our goal of playing for championships and once again being the best team in the country.
I can't wait to get started.
Go Bucks!
Lewis was the 2016 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and a first-team All-conference performer. Many thought he would leave Columbus for the NFL, just as Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley and Raekwon McMillan all announced earlier this week.
A two-year starter, team captain and often forgotten star on Ohio State's defensive line, Lewis led the Buckeyes in sacks the last two seasons. He recorded half a sack to push his 2016 total to 8.0 in Ohio State's 31-0 loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. Lewis also had 8.0 sacks last season.
