The Buckeyes will only have three new starters along the offensive line next season with Jones' decision.
Ohio State fifth-year senior offensive guard Matthew Jones announced on Wednesday morning he will put off the NFL for another year and return to Columbus for his extra season of eligibility in 2023.
“Although I have dreams and aspirations to play in the NFL, my college chapter does not close here,” Jones said in a post on Twitter. “It’s God’s plan and the brotherhood. I have unfinished business to take care of.”
A former four-star prospect from Brooklyn (N.Y) Erasmus Hall, Jones started 12 games for the Buckeyes this season, though he missed the 45-23 loss to Michigan with a sprained right foot.
Jones was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the conference’s coaches and members of the media, as he allowed just one sack in 730 offensive snaps this year.
That includes the 42-41 loss to Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Peach Bowl, when Jones was mostly lined up against presumed top-10 pick Jalen Carter.
Jones will be one of two offensive linemen back next season, joining sophomore left guard Donovan Jackson, as tackles Paris Johnson and Dawand Jones and center Luke Wypler are off to the NFL.
Offensive line coach Justin Frye will have to decide whether to move him to center or keep him at right guard. If Jones slides over, redshirt junior Enokk Vimahi could replace him after playing 116 snaps this fall.
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