COLUMBUS, Ohio — Reports that the Big Ten Conference voted 12-2 to pull the plug on the college football season led to many Ohio State players voicing their opinion on social media — none stronger than Heisman Trophy Finalist Justin Fields. The Buckeyes quarterback tweeted his frustration:

Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day tweeted "This isn’t over!" 

Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline tweeted:

The want to play football this season is a consensus sentiment echoed throughout the Buckeyes program. They feel confident in their COVID-19 protocols and safeguards they have in place, and are hopeful a season can continue. 

2020 captain Josh Myers, and many other Ohio State athletes, shared a letter addressed to the college athletics community, praising OSU for the safeguards in place during the pandemic.

The statement reads: “Every day we recognize the privilege of being a student athlete at The Ohio State University. We have been reassured across many levels that we can opt out of playing this year if we feel uncomfortable. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we choose to represent our teams and the Big Ten at practices, during competition, and in the community.”

2020 captain Jonathon Cooper is returning for another season after dealing with an injury that cut last year short. He plans to make the most of this opportunity to pursue a future career in the NFL. He tweets:

For many of these Ohio State players, missing out on this season would be more than heartbreak.