Over the last couple of years, the Ohio State Buckeyes have struggled at the kicker position. Jayden Fielding was not the answer, as he was constantly known to miss kicks in big games. He missed two against Michigan in 2024 to help the Buckeyes lose that game, and that was just the start.
Fielding also missed a 28-yard field goal late in the Big Ten Championship Game that could have tied it up. He also missed a kick against Miami in the Cotton Bowl. Quite frankly, Buckeye fans were glad to see him leave. Now, he's trying to make a return to college football.
Former Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding trying to return to college football
According to Pete Nakos of On3, Fielding is trying to return for a fifth year of college football. After a ruling from the courts allowed everyone from the 2022 class to get another year, several players are exploring their options. That includes Fielding, who was not drafted this past April.
It makes sense for Fielding to explore a return to college football. He clearly was not going to get a shot in the NFL. The CFL might have been the only chance he had to kick professionally. If he can find a roster to latch on to before the season starts, he might be able to turn that dream around.
Of course, Fielding is coming nowhere near Columbus. The Buckeyes have already found their solution at the kicker spot after landing Connor Hawkins in the Transfer Portal. He is much more reliable than Fielding was during his time as a kicker, so they don't want Fielding back.
At this point, it's unclear whether or not Fielding will find a place to play. This ruling has shifted everything into chaos. Super seniors looking to get another year are scrambling to find an open roster spot when many roster spots were already filled.
Ohio State football fans have poor memories of Jayden Fielding
The funniest possible scenario would be for Fielding to end up at Michigan. It would bring Ohio State fans much joy to see him stink it up while playing for TTUN. Buckeye fans do not have fond memories of Fielding, and he certainly doesn't leave them with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
If Fielding does return to college football, Ohio State fans would love to see him play for an opponent, even if it isn't TTUN. They would instantly feel better about their matchup against that team, knowing that the Buckeyes would prevail in a close game if it came down to a kick from Fielding.
Ohio State has a pretty full roster, but it's not out of the realm of possibility to see them try to add some players who have been granted additional eligibility now. It wouldn't be shocking to see them add perhaps one or two players who could come back, especially ones who were undrafted.
We wish Fielding nothing but the best in his future endeavors, but I wouldn't expect new fans to be pleased with his performance.
Add us as a preferred source on Google