Fields announces transfer to Ohio State

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Quarterback Justin Fields confirmed Friday night he is transferring to Ohio State following one season as Georgia’s backup.

Fields’ much-anticipated announcement gives new Ohio State coach Ryan Day a sublimely talented dual-threat passer to run his offense if Dwayne Haskins Jr. makes an expected jump to the NFL.

Fields decided to transfer from Georgia after he was unable to beat out starter Jake Fromm. Fields announced the transfer after he was expected to visit Ohio State earlier Friday.

Fields issued a statement on his Twitter account in which he said his one season at Georgia “has given me the opportunity to refine my skills under great coaches and to play with incredibly talented teammates who’ve become like brothers to me.”

Fields was the overall No. 2 national prospect in the 2018 recruiting class and was highly sought after he announced his intention to transfer last month.

The Kennesaw, Georgia, native deepens Ohio State at quarterback and sets up an intriguing competition with Tate Martell.

NCAA rules would require Fields to sit out next season, though he could request a waiver to become immediately eligible.

Fields was the target of a racial slur from a Georgia baseball player during a football game in September.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Field was relegated to backup for the sixth-ranked Bulldogs behind star sophomore Fromm this season. Fields played in all 12 games, completing 27 of 39 passes for 328 yards with four touchdowns, and running for 266 yards and four touchdowns. His most significant playing time, though, came in lopsided victories against nonconference opponents.

Haskins, who broke several single-season Big Ten and school rushing records and was third in Heisman Trophy voting, said after the Rose Bowl on Tuesday that Fields had contacted him about whether he planned to enter the NFL draft. At the time, Haskins said he hadn’t made a decision.

Fields said he would make no further comment on his transfer and referred any questions to the Ohio State sports information department.