The Ohio State Buckeyes are reportedly stepping up their efforts to get star defensive lineman Chase Young reinstated by the NCAA.
According to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, the school is expected to submit a written report this week requesting the immediate reinstatement of Young. The Buckeyes are holding Young out of games after he admitted to receiving a loan from a family friend to fly his girlfriend to the Rose Bowl last year, which he repaid.
No determination has been made by the NCAA over how many games Young will miss. The school must prove that Young and his family friend had a “preexisting relationship” that was not related to Young’s athletic ability. They are also expected to be asked why Young waited so long to admit to receiving the loan. The fact that Young repaid the loan, however, is expected to work in his favor.
Regardless of how the process goes, Young is viewed as unlikely to play against Rutgers this weekend. The Buckeyes are unlikely to need him to win that game, but will want him back on the field for major showdowns with Penn State and Michigan, if possible.
Initial reporting that Young is likely to be suspended four games appears to be inaccurate, at least for now, though that is the maximum suspension he could face if the loan was for more than $800. No determination has been made yet, but there appear to be some factors working in Young’s favor.
