college football news and notes

Notre Dame: Quarterback Malik Zaire, who won the starting job at Notre Dame last season before a broken ankle ended his season, plans to graduate in December and use his final year of eligibility elsewhere next season. University spokesman Michael Bertsch said Wednesday that Zaire has been given his release, although there are some schools Notre Dame won’t allow him to move to. He wouldn’t say which schools Zaire is considering. Notre Dame won all three games Zaire started, including being named MVP of the Music City Bowl against LSU in 2014. He was beaten out for the starter’s job this season by DeShone Kizer.

Penn State: Running back Saquon Barkley was honored Wednesday as the Big Ten offensive player of the year. Barkley, who also was selected the top running back, leads the Big Ten with 17 total touchdowns and 1,563 all-purpose yards. Barkley ran for over 200 yards twice this season against Maryland and Purdue. The Nittany Lions will face Wisconsin on Saturday in the Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis. Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett was selected the best quarterback in a vote of league coaches and media. Barrett has thrown for 24 touchdowns against just five interceptions while rushing for 847 yards. Northwestern’s Austin Carr is the Big Ten’s top receiver, while Michigan’s Jake Butt was the best tight end for the second straight season.

Florida: Coach Jim McElwain says he’s not interested in the Oregon job. McElwain was mentioned by several media outlets as a possible candidate to replace Mark Helfrich, who was fired Tuesday. McElwain said after practice Wednesday that he has not heard from Oregon and credited the rumors to recruiting tactics. The 15th-ranked Gators (8-3) play No. 1 Alabama (12-0) in the Southeastern Conference title game Saturday. “I’ve got a heck of a job,” McElwain said. “In case anybody checked, this is the University of Florida. We’re playing in what they call the SEC championship game. It really hasn’t crossed my mind.”

Texas: Running back D’Onta Foreman said Wednesday he will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft after rushing for 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. A lightly-regarded recruit when he signed with Texas in 2014, Foreman projects as a possible early-round draft choice.

Associated Press