Investigation update

The NCAA is investigating Chase Young for taking a loan from a family friend last year that he paid last summer. He released a statement on the matter, in which he said he is, “working with the University and NCAA to get back on the field as soon as possible.”

A year ago, Ohio State edge rusher Nick Bosa walked away from his college football career after an early season injury to begin preparations for the 2019 NFL Draft. He underwent surgery on a core muscle injury in late September and announced in mid-October that he was withdrawing from school for the rest of the season.

There was plenty of consternation, but six months later, Bosa was the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. He is off to a monster start and is a heavy favorite to win defensive rookie of the year. Things worked out OK avoiding the chance of aggravating his injury or adding to his injury report.

This year, another Ohio State edge rusher might elect to do the same thing. OSU announced on Friday that Chase Young will not play on Saturday against Maryland due to an investigation over a potential rules violation (h/t PFT). The announcement has had no impact yet on the Buckeyes monstrous line against Maryland. They are a 43-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook.

The absence is not injury-related like Bosa, but as PFT suggested, it might be in his best interest to call it a career and begin draft preparations. Young has proven he’s an elite prospect and it is almost entirely downside for him to continue playing. Yes, there is the glory of a national championship, but national titles do not pay the bills, and a freak injury between now and the end of a potential college football playoff appearance could cost him millions.

It’s still too early to tell who will be the No. 1 overall pick, but Young could end up in the mix if the right team has the pick. Cincinnati seems likely to draft a quarterback if Ryan Finley does not offer an unexpected revelation. Right now, picks two and three belong to Washington and the New York Jets, both of which have invested a high pick already in the quarterback position. The Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons follow them, and both could use a QB of the future.

Young will compete with Joe Burrows and Tua Tagovailoa, among others for a top five spot. It makes sense for him to call it a career at Ohio State and turn his attention to the draft.