Ohio State defensive back Jordan Hancock announces decision to return to school in 2024

Ohio State cornerback Jordan Hancock will return to Columbus for the 2024 season, he announced Wednesday via Twitter. It will mark his fourth seasons with the team after he appeared in all 13 games this past year.

Hancock had the best season of his career this season to finish with 41 total tackles (two for loss), two sacks, two interceptions, seven passes defended and two forced fumbles. One of his two interceptions he returned for a touchdown as he helped the Buckeyes finish No. 1 in the country in passing defense.

The return for Hancock was just the latest good news that Ohio State received regarding its 2024 season on Wednesday. Fellow cornerback Denzel Burke also announced a few hours prior to Hancock that he will return for next year as well. Additionally, star defensive end Jack Sawyer will join them.

That has to make Buckeyes coach Ryan Day happy as he enters a pivotal season. Ohio State is attempting to retool to try and reclaim a spot atop the Big Ten after three-straight seasons undone with a loss to Michigan.

That certainly becomes a lot easier with players such as Jordan Hancock and his teammates returning, and we’ll see how it works out.

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.