Master Teague won't use bonus year of Ohio State eligibility, turns pro
COLUMBUS — A brief Rose Bowl cameo will mark the end of the collegiate career for Master Teague.
The physical, hard-charging reserve running back is leaving a potential bonus season of eligibility on the table and officially declaring for the NFL Draft.
Teague never quite emerged into a featured role for the Buckeyes during his four seasons with the program. But he certainly carved out a niche as a bruiser off the bench and a near-unstoppable force at the goal line, racking up 17 touchdowns with Ohio State before deciding to try his luck at the next level.
“Despite this year not going the way I imagined and wanted it to go, I am going to trust the Lord and my abilities,” Master Teague posted to social media on Monday evening. “I have decided to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. I am so grateful to be a part of The Brotherhood at The Ohio State and a part of Buckeye Nation.
“Forever a Buckeye.”
There was never an expectation at Ohio State that Teague would use the bonus COVID eligibility to stick around for a fifth season. But it wasn’t entirely clear if he might want to pursue a season elsewhere as a transfer in order to boost his draft stock after he fell out of the Buckeyes rotation due to a combination of injury issues and the rise of TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams.
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Teague finished the season with just 67 rushing attempts — but still added four touchdowns to his career resumé. His value for the Buckeyes also went beyond those statistical contributions as his veteran presence, selfless approach and tireless work ethic made him an asset in the locker room as a leader.
There was one more year available to him if Master Teague had wanted it. But the next time he steps on the field, he’s ready to do it as a professional.
