Ohio State: Running back Brian Snead no longer with Buckeyes

COLUMBUS — The short career of running back Brian Snead is over already at Ohio State.

The school confirmed on Friday that the former four-star recruit from Florida was no longer on campus or participating in workouts with the Buckeyes, ending months of uncertainty about Snead’s status moving forward after playing in two games before an undisclosed disciplinary issue sidelined him for the rest of his freshman season.

That will also be the end of the line for Snead with Ohio State, where he rushed 11 times for 37 yards and a touchdown after turning heads during training camp and looking like a potential star rusher down the road. The Buckeyes didn’t address any reasons for the departure or even indicate directly that the exit was tied to the suspension.

“I don’t have an update on him right now,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said before the Rose Bowl. “When I do, I’ll let you know.”

The Buckeyes never publicly talked about the status of Snead throughout the season, leading to continued speculation about when or if he’d be able to return and provide depth at tailback. But that possibility is over now for an athlete who was ranked as the No. 80 overall player in the country last year and the third-best prospect at the running back position.

Ohio State still has J.K. Dobbins returning at tailback next season to lead the unit, and Master Teague will now be expected to play a more prominent role as the top backup at the position. Ohio State also has the option of bringing Demario McCall back to tailback on a full-time basis if need be, and the program signed a pair of running backs last month during the early signing period.

Brian Snead was once projected to be a key part of the future for the Buckeyes. But that plan can officially be scrapped now.

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