Dwayne Haskins’ reign as Ohio State’s starting quarterback may be brief.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller reported in his scouting notebook column published on Friday that he was told Haskins’ plan is to leave for the NFL Draft after the season. Miller says he published his first Big Board of the season earlier in the week and said he was told Haskins would remain at Ohio State. He says he was contacted afterwards and told otherwise.
From Miller:
“Multiple sources reached out soon after it published and disclosed the offseason plans of Haskins. Barring injury or a massive drop-off in play down the stretch, the plan is for Haskins to leave for the NFL draft after this season.”
Haskins is a redshirt sophomore, which would make him eligible to leave for the draft. Sam Darnold was in a similar position as a redshirt sophomore and left for the 2018 draft, where he became the No. 3 overall pick.
Haskins redshirted in 2016, served as JT Barrett’s backup in 2017, and he’s started for the Buckeyes this season. He has completed 68.9 percent of his passes for 3,280 yards, 33 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this season while leading Ohio State to a 9-1 record. If he plays terribly against Michigan and in a bowl game, his stock might drop and cause him to remain in school, but at this point it seems like he will leave for the draft.
Entering the 2019 draft would make some sense from a competition standpoint. The 2019 quarterback class is viewed as weaker than the 2020 class, which could include Tua Tagovailoa, Jake Fromm, and potentially Justin Herbert.
Haskins leaving for the draft would also benefit Tate Martell, who has waited behind a line of quarterbacks for his chance to finally start at Ohio State.
