Report: Ohio State Players Keep Pledge, Will Return as Seniors

Prior to the 2011 Sugar Bowl, it was revealed that five Ohio State football players would be suspended for five games in the 2011 regular season for accepting improper benefits. The NCAA ruled the players could take part in the Sugar Bowl, and coach Jim Tressel told the fivesome they could all play in the game if they pledged to return for their respective senior seasons -- instead of entering the NFL Draft one year early.

And they did. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, wide receiver DeVier Posey, tackle Mike Adams, running back Dan Herron and defensive end Solomon Thomas all promised to return for 2011 and, in return, were allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl. All five had a big hand in the Buckeyes' dramatic 31-26 win over Arkansas.

The move was met with a collective scoff from most of the TV, radio and Internet community. The pledge wasn't exactly enforceable or legally binding. Was Tressel simply grandstanding just to get that elusive bowl win over an SEC opponent?

Apparently not.

All five players will return to the team in 2011, along with every other junior, according to the Columbus Dispatch. The NFL will release the final underclass list for the draft Wednesday.

"Our kids want to finish their degree and their commitment at Ohio State," Tressel told the Dispatch. "That is very important to each and every one of them, and to our staff and entire athletics family."

The Buckeyes will have to survive the first five games of the season without five of their best players, but if they do that, they'll be among the best teams in the nation with this strong senior class. Home games against Akron, Toledo and Colorado likely won't cause a big problem for the remaining Buckeyes, but a trip to Miami to face the Hurricanes and a home date with Michigan State could spell doom for a quest at a national title.

Interestingly, the first game with the five players eligible will be a road date with new Big Ten member Nebraska. Seeing the four offensive players try to knock off their rust against the tough Cornhuskers' defense will be a great storyline in a game sure to garner plenty of national recognition.